Member Article

Historic South Yorkshire pub saved in new development proposal

THE future of the historic Fountain Inn in the South Yorkshire village of Ingbirchworth has been assured after the site was bought by award-winning Yorkshire property developer Conroy Brook.

After years of uncertainty over the future of the once popular bar and restaurant, Conroy Brook has assured the community that the facility will be restored to its place at the heart of the village.

In addition, Conroy Brook will use the rest of the Fountain site to build up to ten family homes.

The Fountain has been closed since 2017 and after falling into severe decline has recently been the target for repeated arson attacks and anti social behaviour.

Only recently, though, Barnsley Council rejected plans for the demolition of the property and the complete redevelopment of the site.

But Conroy Brook are confident that the new proposal, saving the Fountain and also providing much needed new housing stock, will meet with the council’s approval.

Conroy Brook already has a successful development in the village, the award-winning Summerford development of 13 detached homes.

And in the nearby village of Hoylandswaine, Conroy Brook’s Swaine Meadow development of ten four and five bedroom detached homes has proved another success for the company.

“This site attracted a great deal of interest in the Ingbirchworth community but we are confident we have now come up with a scheme that will greatly enhance the village, adding to the spirit of regeneration that this area deserves,” said Conroy Brook CEO Richard Conroy.

“Now that we have acquired the Fountain, we are pleased to be able to confirm that the pub will be completely refurbished by Barnsley’s Brook Leisure Group.

“We also believe that our architects, Farrar Bamforth Associates, have come up with a development concept that is entirely sympathetic with the surrounding neighbourhood and should prove extremely popular.

“From our previous experience in Ingbirchworth and also in the nearby communities of Denby Dale and Stocksmoor, we know that there is a high demand for good quality family homes in these areas.

“We are confident that Barnsley Council will see the new life and value we will be bringing to this part of the borough.”

Jason Brook, director of both Conroy Brook and Brook Leisure Group, added: “We have a long history of providing quality hospitality venues around Barnsley and beyond - projects as varied as Brooklands Hotel and The Pavilion at Gateway Plaza in Barnsley.

“We look forward to bringing a revitalised pub back to life with the support of the local community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Highfield .