Barbican noise worries allayed

SMG Europe Holdings Limited has submitted an application for a licence for the Barbican, which is due to re-open in the spring.

However, officials from York Council's environmental protection unit raised concerns over public nuisance when events are staged at the venue.

SMG Europe Holdings Limited has now agreed to a list of conditions, such as keeping all the building's doors and windows closed while events are held and not allowing drinks to be taken outside after 11pm.

The environmental protection unit has now formally withdrawn its concerns after the measures to prevent noise pollution were agreed.

SMG Europe Holdings Limited has applied for a 24-hour licence to hold regulated entertainment and to serve alcohol at the Barbican between 11am and 4am seven days a week.

Councillors are due to consider the application at a licensing committee meeting on Monday next week.

The fate of the Barbican auditorium has remained a thorn in the side of York Council ever since the venue closed in 2004.

However, it was announced in November that the building is to undergo a 2m redevelopment after the council agreed a 30-year deal with SMG Europe Holdings Ltd.

The re-development of the Barbican site will enable as many as 250 events including conferences and concerts ranging from rock to classical as well as stand-up comedy to be staged each year.

The venue hosted only 50 or 60 events a year when it was run by the council, and it is hoped snooker tournaments will also return.

The re-launch of the venue will bring as much as 12m annually into the city's economy and create 60 full-time jobs.