Plans for outdoor seating area at Gravity Social bar set for approval

Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee, when it meets at the Town Hall on Wednesday, is set to rule on plans submitted by Gravity Social.

The bar, based within Time Square, offers digital darts, pool, shuffleboard and beer pong, while it also shows live sport on a number of large TV screens.

There is a fully-stocked bar, while the venue also does food in the form of pizzas from 800 Degree Pizza, authentic American burgers from Wendy’s and desserts courtesy of Creams.

It shares the same ownership as Gravity trampoline park in the neighbouring unit.

Planning documents state: “The proposal seeks to create an external seating area similar to the neighbouring tenant The Botanist, which is a high-end cocktail bar.

“The furniture proposed will be large park style benches with planters to define the seating area.

“Electric heaters are also proposed to be installed. The furniture is proposed to be moved inside the Gravity premises each evening.”

Plans have been called before the committee as the application relates to council-owned land.

A report prepared in advance of the meeting recommends that members grant planning permission subject to conditions, with delegated authority given to the development manager to make non-material changes as may be necessary.

The report states: “The application relates to the business Gravity, which is located in a commercial unit within the Time Square area of Warrington town centre.

“Planning permission is sought for the use of two areas of Time Square as outdoor seating areas for customers of Gravity.

“Both areas lie directly in front of the front elevation and would project out by around three metres from the face of the building.

“One area would be around eight metres wide and provide three tables. The other would be around 15 metres wide and provide six tables.

“Removable planters would be used to mark the boundary of the seating areas.”

The planning officer concludes: “The addition of an outdoor seating area to enhance the business operating from the adjacent premises is considered to be a positive addition to the Time Square area of the town centre.

“The proposal should not result in any adverse impact on the visual amenity of the area or neighbouring businesses, and it would not compromise the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic within the area.

“The proposal therefore complies with the relevant planning policies detailed above and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

After opening in July, Gravity co-founder and CEO Harvey Jenkinson said: “Our new and improved sports and live music bar and exciting activities promise the best night out, whether you are grabbing drinks with friends or taking on colleagues in a bit of friendly rivalry.

“Plus, the many screens make it the perfect venue for sports fans looking to take in a game.

“Warrington is an important location for Gravity, and we look forward to becoming a not-to-be-missed destination in the town.”