Newcastle City Council has granted planning permission for The Hustler snooker club to move into the former Newcastle Labour Club premises next to Haymarket Metro station. The approval follows the club's closure earlier this year, ahead of the planned demolition of the vacant Hadrian House block.
Move to former Labour Club approved
The council's decision allows the city centre property to be converted into a pool and snooker hall. The Hustler had closed its doors after operating in the city centre for almost half a century, leaving regulars disappointed, but the club later announced hopes of reopening at a new base.
A council report said the redevelopment would “provide a high quality environment and good standard of amenity, with no unacceptable adverse environmental and health impacts”. It added: “The proposed change of use from a pub/bar with a function room to a snooker/pool hall is considered acceptable.
“The proposed layout does not include a function room where parties can be held or live music played and is considered to have minimal impact on the surrounding area. Various noise mitigation measures were implemented as part of the development of the premises as a pub/bar which will sufficiently mitigate any noise which may arise from the operation as a snooker/pool hall.”
Background to the closure
The Labour Club had moved to Haymarket in May 2025, leaving its previous premises on Leazes Park Road, where it had traded since the 1970s. It closed suddenly in April following a rent dispute with its landlords.
The closure of The Hustler at Hadrian House in Higham Place came amid plans to demolish the disused 1970s block to make way for a £60 million student housing development. Councillors had been due to decide on that vision for a 21-storey accommodation complex, which would be among the city's tallest buildings, last week.
However, the verdict was delayed after city planners said they needed to consider new planning rules announced by housing secretary Angela Rayner. The Hadrian House application is currently expected to be considered by the council's planning committee on Friday, September 4.
