Dear Shareholders and Friends of Ashton Hayes Community Hub
Thanks to your incredible support, we are now within touching distance of something truly special: the community purchase, refurbishment, and reopening of the Golden Lion Pub – a cherished local landmark returning to the heart of Ashton Hayes.
A Major Milestone Reached
We’re delighted to share that we have signed a lease with Lance Warburton who will be our tenant for the next ten years. This marks a key turning point, providing a stable income for the Community Hub and ensuring the pub’s future as a sustainable community asset.
The Final Push
To complete the project, we must now overcome a final funding gap and step up volunteer support on-site. Details of how you can help are set out below, along with a summary of our remarkable progress to date.
Funding Shortfall – Can You Help?
As is common with older buildings – and the Golden Lion is over 300 years old – unforeseen structural issues have absorbed funds originally allocated for final works.
We are now seeking additional funding to complete:
- Installation of the commercial kitchen
- Floor coverings
- Fire doors
- External lighting
The Community Share Offer has already raised around £328,000, exceeding the minimum target of £250,000. However, to cross the finish line, we aim to get as close as possible to our maximum target of £420,000.
How You Can Support
- Buy Community Shares – £250 each: Join or expand your stake in the community ownership of the Golden Lion.
Buy Shares - Make a Donation – any amount helps: Every contribution brings us closer to reopening.
Donate Now
If you’re able to help – or can spread the word – we’d be truly grateful.
Volunteer Support – Many Hands Make Light Work
Our dedicated core team of volunteers have worked tirelessly on-site. As we reach the final stretch, there’s still much to do – from decorating and cleaning to gardening and moving furniture.
If you or someone you know could lend a hand, please email committee@ahchl.co.uk to join our volunteer WhatsApp groups. Every offer of help makes a difference.
Project Progress – A Quick Recap
Since work began in late 2024, here’s what we’ve achieved:
- Full internal strip-out and structural refurbishment
- Complete insulation and replastering of walls and ceilings
- Plumbing and electrics nearly complete
- Repaired oak flooring and new stone flooring installed
- New water, gas and electrical connections in place
- IT infrastructure hard-wired
- Kitchen fitted with hygienic surfaces ready for equipment
- First-floor accommodation redesigned and under full redecoration
- New pedestrian access created
- Solar panel array installed
- Customer areas on the ground floor set for completion by Mid July
Looking Ahead
We are so close. With the tenancy agreed and the finish line in sight, your continued support – financial or practical – can help make this community dream a lasting reality.
Together, we can reopen the Golden Lion – for the community, by the community.
Thank you for being with us on this journey.
Warm regards
The Ashton Hayes Community Hub Team