Historic Dewsbury pub, The Black Bull to get a new start

Historic Dewsbury pub, The Black Bull could be getting a new lease of life.

A key town centre building could be brought back to life thanks to Mood Developments, a company who specialises in the refurbishment of Heritage pubs. Mood Developments have purchased the former Black Bull pub in the centre of the historic market town, and plan to refurbish it, with a view to it opening at the end of 2018.

Having had numerous owners over the years, the pub, like the town, is ready for a change in direction.

The company are looking to apply for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grant; as they are planning to preserve the heritage features of the building and are currently seeking an independent operator for the pub.

Recent projects undertaken by Mood Developments have won Historic England Awards. 92 & 93 Kirkgate, in Leeds, were both recognised as successful schemes that saw the historic buildings brought back to use and given a fresh start.

Peter Mason of Mood Developments said:

‘We are excited to begin the physical restoration of the pub and will be using local services, labour and products throughout the delivery. We have noticed a gap in the Dewsbury market for a heritage pub and hope to bring this back to the residents.

We see it as a perfect time to invest in Dewsbury, and capitalise on the investment taking place in North Kirklees. The town is in a great location for commuting into places like Leeds and Manchester, and with the Council looking to increase housing and encourage more businesses, there is a real buzz in the town centre and community.

Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mood Developments to the town, and I look forward to seeing the development of what has always been an iconic building.

The Townscape Heritage initiative aims to create a smart and welcoming environment by improving and enhancing the quality of Dewsbury’s heritage buildings, and it sounds like Mood Development have similar aims for the old pub, so hopefully, we will be able to support them with a grant.

We are really beginning to see a positive change taking place in Dewsbury. The THI has improved the appearance of a number of buildings and Pioneer House is well on the way to being redeveloped as part of the new Dewsbury Learning Quarter, re-opening the Black Bull would be a wonderful addition to this.” 

For more information visit http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/dewsburytownscape