The Friar, Marston Road
From:
Chris Brewer
Date:
Feb 15 11:09 UTC
Short link
Now the details of what Clinton Pugh is proposing are becoming clearer -
Demolition of existing public house. Erection of replacement building to site
frontage to provide 3 commercial units (2x retail, 1x food & drink) on ground
floor and 6x1 bed residential flats on 1st and 2nd floors. Erection of further
2 storey building to rear to provide 2x2 bed flats.
So we have essentially a new block of flats, two more flats in what was the pub
garden, with the small concession of two shops and a food and drink venue.
In the Oxford Mail report on 18/1/2008 Mr. Pugh said, ‘The area is already well
served with pubs and I don't think it needs another one.’ This is a curious
thing to say. It is not a question of ‘another one’. For many years the large
area of New Marston and Northway has been served by four pubs. To take a away
one at a time of growing population in the area risks creating a large expanse
of lifeless suburb. I would also question whether The Friar really is
redundant. Just because the previous owner ran down the pub with an eye to
selling it on does not mean that it could not be very successful again. It was
reported last spring ago that the Vale Brewery Company –
http://www.valebrewery.co.uk/
were negotiating to buy The Friar. What a shame this did not happen. I have no
doubt however, that with imaginative ownership, The Friar could again be a
vibrant community pub.
Mr. Pugh has spoken of a having a greengrocers and delicatessen on the site.
Again, another curious thing to say. There are not many places in New Marston
and Northway that already have two places selling fresh fruit and vegetable
within fifty yards, but The Friar is one, with both Costcutter and the Co-op
nearby. In addition Seasons delicatassen is only a stone’s throw away on
Cherwell Drive. The truth is the retail units could end up as anything, it just
depends on who, if anyone, will pay the rent.
.