Gusto UK Ltd, which is taking over the running of the bars and cafés at the newly-restored Theatre Royal from September has appointed a social enterprise building company run by North East charity The Cyrenians,to construct its new venues
Construction company TCUK Property Services, which was set up by the region’s largest charity for the homeless and disadvantaged, has been appointed to redevelop two sites at the Theatre Royal - a new concept coffee shop 9 Bar Coffee and exciting Italian-style bar and restaurant, Pasqualinos in the newly restored theatre.
Established in 2009, TCUK Property Services trains and mentors excluded adults and veterans to work in the construction industry - trainees volunteer on a 12 week joinery and employability skills course to get the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in the industry, then are be placed in apprenticeships to hone their skills under the guidance of professionals. . Recently awarded the accolade of inclusion in the RBS Top 100 Social Enterprise club members their recent projects include the Cyrenians facility on Bentnick Road, Ridley Villas on New Bridge Street and the newly refurbished Recovery Centre on the Swing Bridge. It is a non-profit organisation, with any surplus going back into the charity.
Joseph Di Georgi from Gusto UK Ltd, who made the appointment, said:
“We were keen to work with TCUK Property Services as they combine the benefits of a professional property services company with the significant contribution to the local community. Their enthusiastic team, commitment to quality, keen budgeting and timescales mean it was not a difficult decision for us. It is exciting to work with TCUK PS and bring the plans into reality, and the team are working tirelessly to meet deadlines and problem solve along the way. We are very impressed with the quality of work and standard of finish so far.”
Managing Director of TCUK PS Chris Burn said:
“Working on such a prestigious and high profile site is thrilling for all of us here. Our experience of developing listed buildings has enabled us to quickly establish how best to approach the project and maximise the opportunities at the site. We are also able to utilise our state of the art joinery workshop in Newcastle to craft the bespoke fitted furniture and fulfil all aspects of the project using our own team of local craftsmen and trainees. Our trainees are in their second year of apprenticeship education, and by working on local developments we can continue to work with excluded adults to turn their lives around. By employing us, Gusto UK Ltd and the Theatre Royal are making a real difference to the local community and future of these individual trainees.”
The Gusto Group, comprising Geordie-Italians Aldo, Cristina and Joseph De Giorgi already have a strong following in the city garnered from the portfolio of hugely popular bars and restaurants they have established here including Don Vito’s, Secco, Paradiso, Popolo, Intermezzo and Alvinos.
At the Theatre Royal contemporary Italian Bar-Restaurant Pasqualinos will have an emphasis on fresh antipasti and snacks, dinner deals for theatre goers, bio-dynamic wines and local beers on tap. 9 Bar Coffee (on the corner of Shakespeare and Grey street) is being turned into a continental pavement café serving home-made pastries and specialising in an innovative and UK-first coffee concept.
The new venues will open on the same day the Theatre Royal re-opens, on 12 September with The Madness of George III (12 – 17 Sep).
