Social club in Kirkby set for demolition -- all the latest Ashfield planning applications
The end is in sight for a long-standing social club in Kirkby – but it is now far from certain that it will be replaced by a ‘destination pub’.
A planning application has been submitted by Ashfield District Council to demolish The Wyvern Club on Urban Road, near the town’s train station.
It was built by British Rail in 1961 for railway workers but was bought by the council last year.
The club is considered to be an eyesore on a piece of land earmarked for redevelopment as a ‘welcoming gateway to the town centre’.
Originally, the council announced plans for a modern ‘destination pub and function space’, the Station Inn, on the site to reflect the history of the railway and Kirkby’s industrial heritage. But now it is having second thoughts because of the struggles of the pub industry.
It is said that about 30 boozers are closing across the UK every week, and Cllr Matthew Relf, who is in charge of Ashfield’s regeneration, admitted: “There is some nervousness due to the problems currently facing this sort of business. Some well-run pubs are doing well, but others are struggling.
"We have had market interest for this new pub, but we are considering if a small residential or commercial project would make more sense.”
Regenerating this site on the west side of Kirkby is one of 16 projects that the council has lined up, using a grant of £62.6 million from the government’s Towns Fund.
Regulars at The Wyvern say they are angry and upset that the club is being forced into extinction, and branded a consultation attempt by the council to find it a new home was a “whitewash”.
A council spokesman said: “We have been trying to find a new location for The Wyvern Club. However, none of the suggestions have been suitable or affordable for the club.”
Meanwhile the planning application for the club’s demolition reveals that it is scheduled for the middle of October, after when the site “will be left in a safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing condition”.
A statement by the principal contractor, the Derby-based G F Tomlinson, says: “Once it has been knocked down, all debris, waste materials and any hazardous substances will be removed from the site.
"Recyclable materials will be sorted and transported to appropriate recycling facilities. The restored site will be maintained regularly to ensure the health and growth of vegetation.
"Should the site remain undeveloped for an extended period, it will be kept tidy and free from invasive weeds or overgrowth.
"We aim to ensure the site is left in a safe, well-maintained state following the demolition, ready for future use or development.”
Other planning applications received by Ashfield Council in recent days include these:
70-80 Station Street, Kirkby – installation of fire door.
14 Chestnut Avenue, Kirkby – single-storey rear extension and conversion of garage into annexe.
Concrete Product Works, Summit Close, Kirkby – demolition of existing weld shed and construction of new fabrication workshop.
83A Forest Road, Sutton – change of use to include carers’ accommodation and associated alterations.
18 Coxmoor Road, Sutton – first-floor rear extension.
The Learning Tree pre-school, 10 Alfreton Road, Sutton – work to trees protected by preservation order.
102 Cordy Lane, Brinsley – construction of one dwelling.