After weeks of fundraising, campaigners trying to stop a former Crickhowell High Street Pub being turned into a supermarket have made a formal bid to buy the building for the town.
Dean Christy and Emma Bevan
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been pledged by local people and visitors to Crickhowell, who want to buy the Corn Exchange and stop a national convenience store chain getting a foothold in the town.
And today the Corn Exchange Community Investment Group (CECIG) has submitted an offer to the Corn Exchange’s owners, Punch Taverns Ltd.
CECIG Chairman, Dean Christy said: “Our offer is a realistic one and a reflection of the value Crickhowell places on its town centre and the independent, family-run businesses who occupy it.”
“Punch Taverns’ continued willingness to work with the community clearly demonstrates that they are a company with a social conscious and we hope they will look favourably on our offer”
CECIG say their bid, if accepted, would give the town ownership and control over the building while also delivering a modest return for investors over time.
So far more than 160 people have pledged sums ranging from £500 to £30,000 to buy The Corn, which could then be converted into small shops for independent traders and one bedroomed flats for rent above the shops.
In March, over 3,000 people from Crickhowell and surrounding areas united to oppose a planning application for a convenience store in the Corn Exchange, saying it would drive Crickhowell’s famously independent and family run High Street out of business.
Emma Bevan, of the Corn Exchange Action Group, said: ““The people of Crickhowell have backed their opposition to a supermarket with their own hard earned money.
They have proved that Crickhowell is not just about opposition, but about positive action to protect the community we all love”
“We are fully behind the investment group in their desire to buy The Corn and stand ready to oppose any future application for a supermarket if these negotiations fail” Emma said.
The investment group say they have enough money to buy the Corn Exchange if Punch accept a reasonable offer, but will need further funding to finish converting the building.
Dean Christy said: “Even if we succeed in our bid to buy the Corn Exchange we will have to continue raising funds. We would also welcome offers of skilled help to convert the building.”
“At one time, the thought of the Crickhowell community owning the Corn Exchange would have been just a dream. If we can buy it, that dream will become a reality and then the work will really begin” Mr Christy said.
Anyone who wants to know more can contact CECIG by emailing keepcrickunique@gmail.com
