A Crowdfunder has been launched to try and save a traditional pub in Stretford that’s at risk of being turned into flats.
The Robin Hood pub on Barton Road has been left in a state of disrepair since it closed in 2018, but a team of locals think it still has the potential to be an ‘amazing community pub’.
They’re hoping to raise enough money – £5000 – to pay for surveys and legal advice so they can try to save the space.
Pictures taken inside the pub show that it’s riddled with damp and mould, with broken floorboards, crumbling ceilings, and boarded-up windows.
But it’s also a grand Edwardian building, with an ornate red brick facade, stained glass windows, beautiful tiles and bags of charm.
The Robin Hood was bought by developers who intended to turn it into flats and build houses in the large car park.
Those behind the Crowdfunder campaign, who describe themselves as ‘a band of merry Mancunians’, say they believe ‘this space is part of Stretford’s Heritage and should be restored to a traditional pub for the whole community to enjoy’.
Inside the Robin Hood pub in Stretford. Credit: Instagram, @savetherobinhood Inside the Robin Hood pub in Stretford. Credit: Instagram, @savetherobinhood Inside the Robin Hood pub in Stretford. Credit: Instagram, @savetherobinhood Inside the Robin Hood pub in Stretford. Credit: Instagram, @savetherobinhood
The campaign states: “Stretford has some great bars, but with no other traditional pubs in our town centre, the loss of this building would leave a hole at the heart of our ever expanding community that we’ll never mend. They just don’t build pubs like this anymore do they?”
It continues: “We hope to reach an agreement with the developers. Then the real work begins, there’ll be more funds to raise and we’ll be setting up a Community Benefit Society and offering everyone in the community a chance to have a share of the pub!
Read more: Channel 4 is looking for the most ‘outrageous’ homes in Manchester to feature on a new series
“So if you can spare the cost of a pint and a packet of crisps we’d be so grateful! Make it the price of a round and who knows what we can do!
“Join us and Save the Robin Hood!”
The Crowdfunder is live until 9 June – you can support it at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-robinhood.
Featured image: Instagram, @savetherobinhood
