Uncertain future for Huntingdon pub
The Territorial Inn in Huntingdon. - Credit: Archant
One of Huntingdon’s most identifiable – and probably ugliest – buildings could be torn down.
The Territorial Inn at the end of the High Street is at the centre of plans to turn the site from a flat-roofed pub into homes for the retired.
Charles Wells, which owns the pub, confirmed it was in negotiations with developers McCarthy & Stone, which has an option to buy the pub with the aim of tearing it down and putting up a sheltered housing complex, subject to receiving planning permission.
A spokesman for Charles Wells told The Hunts Post that it was working with McCarthy & Stone as part of a regular review of its pubs to ensure they are a reasonable business – for both the pub company and the licensee.
“Unfortunately in this instance the Territorial has reached the point were it doesn’t [make a good business] any longer,” she said.
“There is a lot of improvement work needed for this pub to continue and we would never see a return on what we need to do to it.
“We never close a pub without having put a great deal of thought into it but it’s not always possible to keep them open.”
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McCarthy & Stone said details of its project would be revealed at a later date but did confirm it had been talking with Huntingdonshire District Council about a sheltered housing complex, managed during the daytime.
Further details – such as the number of beds and designs – would be revealed at a consultation meeting later this month. The firm said it believes that Huntingdon has need for more retirement accommodation.
Should the project get planning permission then it would form another part of the transformation of Huntingdon town centre.
Chequers Court is being redeveloped, work on Sainsbury’s new store is to start later this year and Tesco has submitted plans for housing, a fast food restaurant, a hotel and a care home on its land behind the police station.
INFORMATION: McCarthy & Stone will reveal more about its plans at a consultation event on Wednesday, February 19. You can book an appointment with the project team by calling 0800 298 7040.
The Territorial has a building only its architect could love, but if it was to be torn down what would get your vote for Huntingdonshire’s ugliest building? Send your views – and pictures – to editor@huntspost.co.uk.
