Arley rescues pub to maintain house prices

House builder Arley Homes is marketing a refurbished pub for sale next to one of its Lancashire developments after renovating the premises itself.

The 5,500 sq ft Dog & Partridge in Charnock Richard, near Chorley, was acquired by Arley following the previous owner's decision to close the pub.

The property is next to Arley's completed 28-unit development The Birches. Arley carried out internal refurbishment and repairs and painted and landscaped the outside.

John Cosgrave, managing director of Arley Homes, said it does not herald the start of a new career in the pub and restaurant industry, and hoped the building will soon attract a buyer. He added: "When the site came to market it was a fairly rundown old railway pub. We had the choice of letting someone else buy it, and run the risk it could get worse and thereby have a negative effect on local property values, or redevelop it ourselves. The property is at the entrance to The Birches so it was important to us and our buyers that any development in this location should be good quality.

"The building is right in the centre of this popular Lancashire village and would be ideal for a family pub or restaurant. The traditional drinkers' pubs have suffered since the smoking ban was introduced, and during the recession many such as this have closed. But there does still appear to be a demand for quality family pubs with good food served in nice surroundings. We took this view when undertaking the refurbishment with a smart scheme with an open plan bar, spacious dining areas, and a good-sized beer garden. The neutral colour scheme gives it a light, airy feel and will really allow the new owner the chance to put their stamp on the place."

The Dog & Partridge is on the market with commercial agent Jenics.