A community group from Leeds, has put their plans for the Cardy, a Grade II listed pub in Burley, directly to owners Greene King, who made it very clear they are looking for the best bid and not necessarily the highest.
Cardigan Arms campaign writes
During a very thorough, wide-ranging and fairly-conducted session, we were able to convey our comprehensive thoughts and ideas for this much-loved and important pub. The last few months have been quite a journey of discovery for all involved in the campaign to make sure future generations can continue to enjoy a fine example of Victorian architecture and design. Although not the highest bid, we remain convinced that our bid for the Cardy is the best in terms of a sustainable future and one that can not only restore and rejuvenate the fabric, but that can keep its special character and improve upon it. We know this because so many people have come forward with ideas and commitment to get involved and use the extensive facilities on offer for a wide range of activities.
The Cardigan Arms is an especially rare survivor by virtue of it still having its original room layout and fittings largely unaltered since construction in 1896. It is this feature that gains it a place in the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. The Cardigan Arms is ideal as a community pub. The nature of the partnership will guarantee the protection of its heritage status. It has the five downstairs rooms where different things can be going on The Events room upstairs (and two adjoining rooms) can be brought back to life for music and many other uses It can be a venue for non-alcohol daytime activities in an area lacking in community facilities There could be a specialist micro-brewery in the brew house. Sports clubs can be invited back in (showers in the basement).
Greene King put the pub on the market in Dec 2016 for £295,000 and because it is listed as a community asset, we have until June 2017 to raise the capital. We have agreed a partnership with Mood Developments Ltd where Mood and the Co-op both raise £300,000 to achieve the purchase and refurbishment of the pub. The Plunkett Foundation helped us on our way with a £2,500 Bursary from their ‘Pub is the Hub’ fund. Mood will bring valuable experience in developing pubs as well as the investment money. Together we will select a tenant sympathetic to our community aims and regular meetings with the co-op will make sure it is run for social benefit. The pub will be there, not to maximise drinking at the cost of everything else, but to serve the community while making a profit.
In less than a week we will know if our bid has been successful. Why not consider pledging an investment that can be as little as £100? For those able, to invest £5,000 as ‘Cardigan Angels’ will offer an annual return of 4% with no money being taken unless our bid succeeds. Your pledges on Crowdfunder will only be drawn down once we have agreed the sale of the pub (or for those paying by cheque, your cheque will be returned if the deal does not go through).
