On 1st May we submitted the Asset of Community Value (ACV) nomination to Croydon Council. There is now a statutory eight week assessment period. During this time the Council is obliged to inform the freeholder of the ACV nomination. We will know by 26th June if the ACV has been granted.
Our meeting on 12th May (7.30-7.45pm at Kenley Memorial Hall) was originally planned to explain the ACV to the Committee and to collect more signatures for the nomination. But events overtook us. The strength of support for the ACV was exceptional. We needed 21 signatories to support the nomination. We got 130 plus, in a day. Our thanks to all those who signed.
When submitting our ACV we had to prove that the Kenley Hotel is indeed a valued community asset. To reinforce this, local filmmaker Ian Anderson put together a short video featuring some of The Kenley Hotel’s former customers and staff members, expressing their affection for the pub.
Watch video https://vimeo.com/1189638419
Should the ACV be granted, it gives us the right to bid for the pub should it be offered for sale. The bid must be submitted within six months of the pub being put on the market.
While we await a decision on the ACV, it would be prudent to seek help and advice on how to proceed should it be granted. Talking to those who have already been through this process seems a good place to start, to draw on their experience. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has plenty of useful advice to guide would-be pub saviours. (See resources below).
We all know The Kenley Hotel needs a great deal of money spending on its refurbishment. Add to this the cost of purchasing it in the first place and it’s obvious the investment would be substantial. We should therefore be realistic, but not pessimistic.
There have already been many creative and exciting suggestions as to how this much loved pub could bring new life to Kenley. However this can only be achieved with the support of the wider community.
To register your interest and to keep updated about The Kenley Hotel email your details to kenleyacv21@outlook.com
Resources