Community Group Reaches Agreement to Acquire The New Clarence Pub

A local organization dedicated to preserving a pub has announced that an agreement for its purchase has finally been finalized. The New Clarence, located on Charles Street in Hull, ceased trading in 2023 and was subsequently sold to Kingston Apartments. Kingston Apartments had intended to reopen the establishment and convert a portion of it into NHS housing, but these proposals were rejected by Hull City Council. In a joint statement, The Hull Community Pub Society (HCPS) and the current owners confirmed that the sale is expected to conclude by 31 January 2025. The society plans to concentrate on implementing “exciting plans for the renewal as Hull’s first community owned and run pub.” The acquisition price has not been disclosed. Simon Berry, chairman of HCPS, extended his thanks to the owners for “working through the challenges” involved in their decision to sell the pub. He stated: “We fully appreciate that this was an incredibly difficult decision for them to make but thank them in reaching an agreement with us. “This sale will deliver a highly prized outcome for members of Hull Community Pub Society, CAMRA and involved local residents.” In September, the council had denied the developers’ revised planning application, following an earlier rejection of a proposal to transform the premises into a house of multiple occupancy. HCPS had successfully raised £450,000 to launch its own bid to acquire the pub and re-establish it as a community venue. Mr. Berry commented: “As a part of the deal to sell the property, we have all agreed that it is best that we all look forward to the positive outcomes ahead of us all, rather than linger any longer in the unfortunately polarised planning matters that have held us all in limbo for so long.” He commended the current owners for their “ethical” principles and their “efforts in bringing much more opportunity for diversity to the city through their Fuel and Propaganda venues.” The statement clarified the reason for the sale, noting that one of the developers had relocated to Devon to oversee a large-scale not-for-profit project, and HCPS had offered to provide support “where we are able.”