Museum pop-up bar: April 2021 update

The application by Vanguard Art Bar Ltd for planning permission for a temporary outdoor art installation and bar in Museum Square just beyond M Shed’s café has been withdrawn. Many residents expressed concern over the proposal so the withdrawal is good news.

Original post

Vanguard Art Bar Ltd has applied for planning permission for a temporary outdoor art installation and bar in Museum Square just beyond M Shed’s café.  The company is committed to ‘improving local knowledge and respect for the global street art movement.’

If approved, the installation and bar will occupy Museum Square between 5th June and 31st October 2021. Vanguard claim that they will present the largest collection of British Street Art ever shown in the UK at M Shed, displaying several never seen before pieces from artists, including Banksy.

The installation takes the form of a semi-derelict, partly destroyed, industrial building with corrugated metal roof and sidings. It is topped with a large, internally illuminated sign. The structure will take up almost half of Museum Square.

According to the planning application statement, the bar will be open  during the following times:

  • Monday-Thursday 16:30 to 22:00 hours
  • Friday-Saturday 12:00 to 22:00 hours
  • Sunday 12:00 to 20:00 hours

The times indicated in the licensing application differ:

  • Monday to Saturday 12:00 to 22:00
  • Sunday 12:00 to 20:00

The proposal includes the following:

Music will be provided by a DJ between the hours of 5pm and 10pm on certain evenings. This music is designed to be an accompaniment to the art installation and to be played at a modest volume, it is not intended to encourage dancing or lively behaviour and the music programming will reflect this.

The existing toilet provision at the M Shed will be available for use by customers of the installation and these will be signposted.

There is no mention of toilet provision when M Shed and its cafe close at 5pm each day.

If you wish to comment on this proposal, go to the Planning applications website and search for the application 21/00618/A

All planning and licensing comments need to be received by Monday, 12th April.

Use these links to view: the planning application and licensing application documents.

Scroll to Top