One of Newcastle’s most visited parks is one step closer to seeing the return of a café after a new operator for the premises was identified.
Newcastle City Council made the decision to close two council run cafés in January after revealing the operations were costing taxpayers over £200,000 a year.
The closure of the popular cafes in Exhibition Park and Paddy Freeman’s Park came after a steady decline in popularity, impacted by seasonal demand.
After being appointed Leader of the Council and forming a new administration in May, Cllr Colin Ferguson said re-opening the much-loved cafés on a sustainable business model would be a priority.
Today he has revealed a new operator has been identified for the site in Exhibition Park, subject to finalising contracts and a successful licensing application.
Deep North, an Ouseburn-based artisan doughnut and speciality coffee business, will be launching a new concept at the site under a new brand name.
Deep North, who also currently operate at sites in Tynemouth, Sunderland and a new opening in Yarm, will be launching a wider ranging food and drink offer at Exhibition Park with a focus on high quality local suppliers.
Cllr Ferguson said: “We were elected to form an administration for a number of reasons, one being our focus on restoring our city’s parks and green spaces and investing in their quality and character.
“I regularly walk, run and cycle through Exhibition Park and used the café many times with my family. I was saddened to see it close and shared residents' disappointment at the move.
“When we were elected, I made it clear that we would look to accelerate the identification of a new operator. I am delighted that we have been able to come so quickly to making this announcement.
“Deep North are one of the many success stories coming out of Ouseburn and we are excited that we are moving closer to them operating their new concept out of the site, subject to final contracts.
“More importantly, I’m delighted to see the return of café and toilet facilities to Exhibition Park and I know officers are working hard to deliver the same in Paddy Freemans.”
Phil King, Director from Deep North, said: “We are delighted to be able to take on the cafe at Exhibition Park.
“I use the park myself and have long thought that the site has huge potential, with the right offer and operation. Whilst it is a different, wider offer to what we have at our Deep North sites - we will use the same approach to quality and community which has brought us the success we have had to date.
“We are excited to share more about the concept and the new brand in the coming weeks.”
Final contracts with Deep North to open the premises are still being finalised but a licensing application is currently open for consultation on the council portal.
A timeline for opening will be established soon, but it is hoped that the venue will re-open again later this Summer.