£260,000 COULD BE A KNOCKDOWN PRICE FOR A PUB
Date : 28.09.07
A Derby pub with a rich history is up for sale - despite being earmarked for demolition.
The Royal Standard, in Derwent Street, has been boarded up for almost a year and is on the market for £260,000 freehold, meaning that the buyer would own the land.
It is unlikely, however, to remain in its current form as urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape says that the 19th-century pub does not figure in its radical view for the future of Derby city centre.
Cityscape chief executive John Cadwallader said that the pub would need to go under the planned North Riverside scheme.
He said: "There'll be comprehensive redevelopment of that part of North Riverside.
"Our view is that the building is not worthy of retention and that a better and more suitable building would be more beneficial to that area once we redevelop."
The North Riverside scheme aims to bring apartments, offices and a high-quality hotel to the banks of the Derwent.
The plans cover Exeter Street, Exeter Place and Darwin Place car park.
They would also see the demolition of the Exeter House block of flats.
Originally built in 1862, the Royal Standard was completely rebuilt in the 1890s.
Local historian Maxwell Craven said that it would be sad if the Royal Standard was knocked down.
He said "It's had some interesting landlords over the years. One of the first owners was William Parnell, who was the grandfather of the famous Formula One racing driver Reg Parnell.
"The Royal Standard was passed down through three generations. Another Parnell, Alice, founded the Licensed Ladies' Victuallers' Association at a time when the pub trade was dominated by men."
"It would be a real shame to see a building with such a rich history as the Royal Standard knocked down by developers."
Mr Cadwallader said: "We're all for the retention of valuable buildings in the city centre but we don't feel that particular building is that memorable."
The pub is on the market through Christie and Co Ltd, of Nottingham. It is owned by Marstons. A spokesman for the agents said: "If we have inquiries about the Royal Standard, we make the potential buyer aware that it's within a proposed redevelopment area and may be knocked down."
Derby Cityscape has not ruled out making a bid for the pub and may go for a compulsory purchase order.
Article courtesy of The derby Evening Telegraph