Residents in Wroxall are hoping to save their village’s last remaining pub after the former Smokin’ Jacks went on the market for £295,000, with plans being developed to bring the building into community ownership and prevent it from being lost for good.
The Clarence Road premises, which most recently traded as an American-themed bar and restaurant, was put up for sale in July through Christie Owen & Davies Ltd, Pubs & Restaurants.
Wroxall resident Aviv Goode, who previously ran The View Cafe at Stenbury Hall, is among those working towards purchasing the pub on behalf of the community.
The group hopes to establish a Community Benefit Society (CBS), which would allow villagers to become members, have a say in how the premises are run and ensure that profits are reinvested for the benefit of the local area.
According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), community-owned pubs have a 95% success rate, providing encouragement for those behind the Wroxall initiative.
Ms Goode has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the project represents an opportunity to bring residents together following a period of uncertainty in the village.
She said:
“The community pub is a great opportunity for our village, and I have found myself working with an incredible team who are dedicated to bringing something great to Wroxall.
Article continues below this advertisement “I think the community has experienced a lot of uncertainty, and it’s time to bring back some positivity, unity and a place to get together.”
The proposals come just weeks after controversy surrounding the closure of The View Cafe at Stenbury Hall.
Last month, Wroxall Community Association (WCA) terminated its rental agreement with the cafe, prompting around 40 residents to stage a protest outside the community building.
At the time, Ms Goode said she was heartbroken by the impact the closure was having on local residents.
The WCA previously stated that relationships had become “severely compromised” and were considered “beyond repair”.
Attention has now turned towards securing the future of the village’s last pub, with support being sought from Plunkett UK, a charity which helps communities establish and run businesses.
Under the proposed CBS model, funds could be raised to purchase, refurbish and manage the building, with local people able to become directly involved in its future.
Questionnaires have already been circulated to residents to establish what they would like to see from a community-run pub.
Initial feedback has highlighted interest in the type of food and catering that could be offered, alongside additional activities such as live music nights.
Funding for the ambitious project is expected to come from several sources, rather than relying solely on contributions from Wroxall residents.
A community share prospectus is set to be published in due course, whilst pound-for-pound match funding could potentially double the amount raised locally.
Ms Goode said government match funding would mean the village would not have to raise the full purchase price itself.
Several grants are also being considered, alongside the possibility of securing a mortgage through the Community Benefit Society.
An application has also been submitted to have the former pub designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The designation recognises buildings or land considered important to the social wellbeing and interests of a local community.
If approved, ACV status could give residents additional time to organise a bid should the property be sold, including a potential 6-month period to develop proposals and raise the necessary funds.
Those behind the campaign hope the designation will strengthen their efforts to preserve the building as a pub rather than see it converted to an alternative use.
Ms Goode said:
“Securing Wroxall’s last pub as an ACV means that it will not be sold and developed into flats, for example.
“We believe this is Wroxall’s last chance at having a pub.”
