Plans lodged to demolish - and rebuild - Northumberland seaside restaurant visited by Harrison Ford
Plans have been lodged to demolish – and rebuild – one of the most popular restaurants on the Northumberland coast.
The Fish Shack on Amble’s quayside been visited by the likes of Harrison Ford, The Hairy Bikers and the Vera cast in the past.
Now, a planning application has been submitted by Martin Charlton to demolish the quirky wooden structure and replace it with a two-storey building with roof terrace.
The proposed development would generate approximately 10 additional full-time equivalent jobs.
A planning report on his behalf states: "The existing Fish Shack has evolved organically over time, comprising a series of converted container units, reclaimed boat hulls, wooden structures and outside seating.
“This has created a distinctive and popular destination with a unique, informal character that complements its harbourside setting.
“However, the incremental nature of this development has resulted in a fragmented internal layout which constrains operational efficiency, limits capacity, and presents ongoing maintenance challenges.
“As the business has grown in popularity, these constraints have become more pronounced, and the existing structures now require significant investment simply to sustain current operations.”
Specialist firm inboxprojects, which creates buildings from recycled shipping containers, has been lined up to create its replacement.
“This will support the continued success of the Fish Shack, provide an efficient and well-organised layout, improve capacity, and deliver a cohesive, high-quality design that reflects the sensitivity and prominent harbourside location,” states the planning report.
"The proposal seeks to retain the charm and distinctive character of the existing establishment, while enabling the business to expand its catering offer and improve ancillary facilities.”
The report explains that the replacement building has been designed to occupy a similar footprint with the addition of a second storey and rooftop terrace. It says the compact construction and dimensions of the shipping containers allows an overall height lower than standard construction, significantly reducing the massing of the building.
The Fish Shack, alongside the nearby Boat House, forms part of the Old Boathouse Food Group which supports approximately 65 full-time equivalent jobs.
The site is under a long-term tenancy agreement with the Warkworth Harbour Commission.