'Mayur' Licensed Restaurant

The Brief

The 'Mayur' is an award-winning Indian Restaurant situated directly opposite Carrickfergus Castle, enjoying a fantastic location and undoubtedly one of the finest views on the Causeway Coast.
We were originally engaged on this project by a local solicitors practice requiring our advice and Expert Witness services for an application to the courts for a Liquor Licence. The premises had previously been a fish & chip shop and the new owner was re-opening as an Indian Restaurant.

The Challenges

The client had been correctly advised that no Planning application was required as the works remained within the same Planning 'Use Class'. At the time of our first site visit, however, it was apparent that the extent of the refurbishment was such as would require an application to Building Control. We discussed this with the owner and his contractor and they immediately appointed us to this design role in addition to our Liquor Licensing services.

The Design Process

The most pressing challenge faced was the time constraint imposed by the upcoming court date for the Liquor Licence. Without plans approved by Building Control and works on site signed off the court wouldn't issue the much needed Liquor Licence and the opening would be delayed.

At 9yards we pride ourselves on our fast response times and customer focus so diaries were quickly reorganised to enable the building to be dimensionally surveyed the next day and detailed design commenced immediately. As it was important that works could continue apace on site we liaised daily with the contractor to ensure that what was going on our drawings for Building Regulation compliance was also happening on site.

The Solution

Deadline-focused design work, continual liaison with the client, contractor and Building Control Officer, and dedication of the full project team enabled a full Building Control application to be lodged with the local Council within just 10 days of our first site visit and appointment. 9yards' expertise within the commercial design sector is well established and the designs were approved first time without any amendments.

Issues common to older buildings in historic towns, such as level changes, fire escapes and disabled toilet provision were all overcome in the most efficient manner, including a bespoke fire safety strategy which clearly set out how compliance was to be achieved, meaning that the plans could be assessed and approved in the fastest possible time.
Our court attendance at the Liquor Licensing session was well received by the Judge and the process went smoothly, with the Licence granted the same day, enabling the restaurant to open on schedule.