The Woolpack Community Pub

• The pub has been closed for three years, with little commercial interest. It is unlikely to reopen as a pub unless the community acts.
• As a community-owned facility, rents would be lower, making it more viable for a publican or other business.
• If left unsold, the building may remain empty for a long time.
• Community ownership could provide a flexible space for various uses, not just as a pub.
• Having an operating pub in the village is beneficial to both the community and the saleability of property in the village.

• This is not a traditional investment. You are investing in the community’s future and well-being.
• Each investor receives one voting share, regardless of the amount invested.
• There may be a small annual interest in the future, but this is not guaranteed. Many community benefit societies reinvest any surplus.
• More details are available in the presentation file.

• The project is about creating a community space, not just a pub.
• Consider whether it’s important for the village to have a gathering place, even if you don’t personally use it.
• Community spaces benefit everyone, including those who may feel isolated.
• This may be the last chance to secure such a facility for future generations.

• Supporting the project helps maintain a vibrant, connected community.
• Even infrequent users benefit from the presence of a community hub and the positive impact on village life.

• Referencing Zoopla properties in villages with services like pubs, schools, and churches are typically valued about 10% higher than those without.
• Such properties are also easier to sell.
• Estate agents comment that one of the most regular questions from potential buyers is ‘Is there a Pub in the Village?’
• Research from Northumbria University and articles in the Yorkshire Post support these findings.

In an article in the Yorkshire Post, Lizzie Murphy reported ‘A local pub remains a top pri­or­ity for a quarter of buy­ers when select­ing their next prop­erty.’

Here is a You Tube video on the subject:

• There is ample on-street parking nearby. A dozen cars spread across several roads are unlikely to cause congestion.
• Parking needs will depend on the type of pub or facility The Woolpack becomes. Local-focused venues attract fewer drivers.
• The Woolpack has operated for over 100 years without a well-used dedicated car park (for clarity while there was a car park at one time it was not well used). While a car park would be preferable, its absence should not prevent the purchase.

• Yes. As a community pub, the goal is to break even, not generate large profits.
• Lower overheads (heating, maintenance, staffing) make it more sustainable.
• Financial scenarios have been reviewed by industry professionals and found viable, on the assumption that it is run as a pub, but until we have feedback from the community we are not even sure that a Pub is what the community wants.
• Naturally before anyone is asked to actually invest in the project a lot more information will be presented to give you the confidence that you are ‘investing’ in a community project that has a good chance of success.

• Yes. The previous landlords invested significantly in structural repairs.
• Any purchase would be subject to a full survey. If issues are found, the price would be reviewed or the purchase reconsidered.

• If accessibility is important to you, please highlight this in your questionnaire response.
• The community will consider accessibility needs in future plans.

• Further details are available in the presentation file.
• For specific questions, please contact the working group or include your concerns in the questionnaire.

Call to Action:
Your input is vital. Please complete the questionnaire to help shape the future of The Woolpack and ensure it meets the needs of the entire community. (You have until February 28^th to make your voice heard and complete the questionnaire):

https://forms.gle/YaRucH3nVndDY9Np8

• The opportunity to complete the questionnaire closes on February 28^th, after that point we will analyse the information and present it to the village
• It is important to note that at this point the working group will provide their decision of a go/no go on the project. If the working group feels that there is not the financial commitment available they will propose that their work is finished and the opportunity to buy the pub as a community will be lost.
• If the working group feels there is the community interest to move ahead they will look for more volunteers to help move the project to the next stage (see the presentation on suttonveny.co.uk for further information on the next steps)