Historic pub saved in new development proposal
The future of the Fountain Inn in the South Yorkshire village of Ingbirchworth has been assured after the site was bought by Yorkshire property developer Conroy Brook.
After years of uncertainty over the future of the once popular bar and restaurant, Conroy Brook has assured the community that the facility will be restored to its place at the heart of the village.
In addition, Conroy Brook will use the rest of the Fountain site to build up to ten family homes.
The Fountain has been closed since 2017 and after falling into severe decline has been the target for repeated arson attacks and anti social behaviour.
Barnsley Council recently rejected plans for the demolition of the property and the complete redevelopment of the site.
But Conroy Brook says it is confident the new proposal – saving the Fountain and also providing housing stock – will meet with approval.
Company CEO, Richard Conroy, said: “This site attracted a great deal of interest in the Ingbirchworth community but we are confident we have now come up with a scheme that will greatly enhance the village, adding to the spirit of regeneration that this area deserves.
“Now that we have acquired the Fountain, we are pleased to be able to confirm that the pub will be completely refurbished by Barnsley’s Brook Leisure Group.
“We also believe that our architects, Farrar Bamforth Associates, have come up with a development concept that is entirely sympathetic with the surrounding neighbourhood and should prove extremely popular.
“From our previous experience in Ingbirchworth and also in the nearby communities of Denby Dale and Stocksmoor, we know there is a high demand for good quality family homes in these areas.”
Jason Brook, director of both Conroy Brook and Brook Leisure Group, added: “We have a long history of providing quality hospitality venues around Barnsley and beyond – projects as varied as Brooklands Hotel and The Pavilion at Gateway Plaza in Barnsley.
“We look forward to bringing a revitalised pub back to life with the support of the local community.”
