Nottingham city centre bar set to reopen after charity steps in

The Malt Cross will reopen on 28 September

A popular Nottingham city centre bar is set to reopen in Autumn after a charity stepped in to buy it.

The YMCA will reopen the Malt Cross with a promise to “preserve the essence and heart” of the St James Street venue.

Will Wakefield, chief executive officer of Nottinghamshire YMCA, said: ““As a charity already so invested in the rich history and values of the Malt Cross, this is an exciting development for us.”

The move comes after a week when Nottinghamshire YMCA was approved as a trustee of The Malt Cross Trust.

Wakefield added: “We are keen to preserve the essence and heart of a venue which has inspired such a strong sense of community, loyalty and historical intrigue for so many years.

“With plans to fully celebrate every wonderful and historical aspect the Malt Cross has to offer, we cannot wait to throw open the doors once again and breathe new life into this illustrious venue’s future.”

The Malt Cross, a former music hall, closed in July citing “tough trading conditions” for the closure. The bar was run by Malt Cross Ltd, a subsidiary of the Malt Cross Trust Company and Charity.

A statment from the owners read: “We are very aware that our award-winning cafe bar, at the heart of our building, has a place in the affections of so many who use Nottingham’s city centre. We offer thanks for the dedication of all the staff, who, with our regular clientele, have made it a great place to meet, to be, and to enjoy the city’s nightlife. We do hope to host similar activities in the future and are actively exploring new possibilities.

“The Malt Cross Trust Company, a Christian charity, has responsibility for this beautiful old music hall and for community projects such as Street Pastors. These projects will continue as usual. Other tenants of the Trust: Handmade and Plates Records, also continue to trade in our building.”

The Malt Cross underwent a £1.4m refurbishment in 2014 after securing National Lottery funding. The Malt Cross Trust bought the venue on St James’ Street in 1996.

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