‘THE NIGHT life in Redditch town centre is dead and needs investment and transforming’ – that was the scathing verdict many residents this week.
People took to social media in their droves, responding to JD Wetherspoon putting The Rising Sun up for sale.
Many pointed out this latest setback for the town centre which had already lost numerous venues and had just a handful of pubs and night spots remaining.
Helena Marie added: “Bromsgrove now has a better night life, gin bars, cocktails and eateries.”
Helen Pearson said: “I think the town has a dead atmosphere.
“I’m nearly 60 but still want somewhere vibrant and alive to go – we went last Sunday to Prezzo – it was nice, but felt like we were walking out through a ghost town.”
She added when she was in her 40s, they could go dancing at the Chicago Rock Cafe – now The Royal Enfield.
“We need wine bars, street seating in the summer, live bands in the bandstand – get some life into Redditch – not just a grotty night club with sticky carpets.”
And Jon David said: “What night life? It’s shocking and has no variety.
“Poorly run pub/bars (the couple that are left) allow the wrong type of people in.
“How sad it is we would prefer to go to Bromsgrove where there is a little variety?
“People have a couple of clubs and cheaper bars if that’s what they want but then there are nice places to go for a drink. Yes, they may cost a little more but that also keeps out certain types of people.”
The Rising Sun was one of 32 pubs put on the market by JDW which also owns The Royal Enfield Lloyds bar.
The company’s spokesperson Eddie Gershon added it was a ‘commercial decision’.
“We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it.”
He added the pub would continue operating as a Wetherspoon until it had been sold.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, said the town having two pubs owned by Wetherspoon probably made the chain’s decision ‘easier’.
“It’s key to remember this is the sale of a cluster of Wetherspoons pubs – the building is privately owned and will remain privately owned.
“However, I agree with residents, the town centre does need improvement and comes at a time when the council is investing in and trying to attract investment to the area.
“It’s important to regenerate the town centre and relocating the library and redeveloping that area will enable the Kingfisher to do more, improving the footfall and attracting investors into Redditch.
“I see this as an opportunity for another food and beverage operator to move into Redditch, hopefully the correct investor will come in and provide some competition to Wetherspoon.”
Paul Richards, the chair of Redditch and Bromsgrove Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said he was ‘saddened’ by the news as The Rising Sun had made eight appearances in CAMRA’s annual Good Beer Guide and was known for stocking a good range of cask ales.
“Since recovering from pandemic lockdowns, our pubs are facing tough times with increased energy bills and costs.”
He added the group was concerned for the future of pubs in both the towns it covered and that, while he welcomed the Chancellor reducing tax on beer and cider served in pubs, it would take another ten months before it came into force.
- What do you think of the night life in Redditch town centre? What type of venues would you like to see here?Email your views to [email protected]
