The traditional English pub has, I am sure you will agree, seen much better days. With pubs across Britain closing at an alarming rate (now around 25 per week), what is to become of these high quality and often landmark structures?
Despite the great sadness in the decline of such an institutional industry, there can be some solace sought. The commercial property sector is taking the opportunity to reinvigorate the property which has been left behind by the ailing industry.
In Formby, Merseyside, we have this week seen news that a derelict pub is to be converted into commercial office space, which could in turn create up to 100 jobs.
Championnews.com, has told of the former Lighthouse pub in Formby village, which is to be converted into office space by local insurance company Acorn Insurance. Acorn director Alan Keating, is also a resident of Formby and is hoping that this move will reaffirm Acorns ties with the town. He stated ‘this is an extremely positive move for Formby invigorating the local economy…and will prevent a long standing local company from relocating to another part of the country due to availability.’ It is hoped amongst all quarters, that this move will help drive Formby’s business sector forwards.
A quick google search illustrates that many similar stories to this can be found in towns and cities across the UK.
Whilst not only rejuvenating eye sore derelict buildings. Such developments may also be creating a prosperous commercial property market, in districts which have never previously been considered suitable commercial property destinations. Towns which have previously been looked upon as commuter towns could soon see a successful commercial business sector right on their own doorstep.
Whatever happens, it is certain that many commercial property developers will be keeping a keen eye on Formby, in order to decide if such conversions could be worthwhile for themselves. With a large number of unoccupied pubs available at knockdown auction prices, the great British pub could soon become the great British office.
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