A new “upmarket” bar venue proposed for inner city Newcastle could bring tourism and culture to a tired-looking city but others believe it will fuel alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.

Small Bar is proposed for the ground floor of the Mirvac apartment building at the former Royal Newcastle Hospital site.

It will include three areas – a small outdoor area with tables and chairs, internal area with bar seating and a lounge area.

No TAB, gaming machines, keno or off-premises alcohol will be sold at the venue.

Newcastle East resident Sarah Blackmore said the proposed bar on King Street would help rejuvenate Newcastle’s night life.

Miss Blackmore said some places had shut down since the curfew and lock-outs were introduced and she did not go out often anymore.

“Anything to give Newcastle residents more places to go and socialise is welcomed,” she said.

“Tourists can take a walk on the beach and then pop into the bar for a relaxing drink.”

The 22-year-old rejected claims that another alcoholic development was not what the city needed.

“It’s a shame people try and stop development in our city, it needs developing,” she said.

“Just take a look at what happened to Hunter Street, there’s no one ever around because it’s a derelict place.”

She believes the bar will not attract anti-social behaviour.

“It will be nice to have a classy place to go and have a few drinks at,” she said.

However, the Coalition Inner City Resident Groups, Small Businesses and Concerned Citizens believes the bar will become a feeder pub to the CBD.

In its objection application to the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing the coalition stated that it had time after time heard claims of a bar being “more sophisticated, top end” from developers, but it was not convinced.

“The market is not large enough for this (type of bar) and the licensees over time lower the bar because of competitive pressure until it is forced to become just another binge barn,” it said in its objection.

Newcastle City Police acting commander Peter Szaak said police would take a look at Small Bar’s licence application and make recommendations after the proposal goes to council.

Small Bar is in Newcastle City Council’s preliminary assessment stage and is likely to go to council for approval, but the date has not yet been determined.