Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) has acquired the historic Bridge Inn pub on Bolton Road, securing its future. The Grade II-listed building's freehold was bought last week, and the Trust will now work with existing leaseholders Greene King.
Trust expands portfolio with historic pub
PSVT is an independent charitable trust responsible for promoting and preserving the historic Wirral village, which contains more than 900 Grade II listed buildings. Created by Unilever in 1999, PSVT works with Port Sunlight's residents to create a self-sustaining village for all who live, visit and work there.
The Bridge Inn has been part of the village since it was built in 1900. It will join the Trust's portfolio of commercial properties, including the Gladstone Theatre, Hulme Hall, Nettle Café, the Lyceum and more.
Community reaction and future plans
CEO Mike Ward told the ECHO: "The pub was a bit of an anomaly, in that it was one of the prominent buildings in the village we didn't own already. So it was on our radar as something we would be interested in."
He added: "I think it was earlier in the year, we became aware that the owners were actively trying to sell it. We thought we'd put a bid in, and thankfully it was successful."
Ward described the reaction to the news as "overwhelming", noting: "There is clearly so much love for the building, and the memories. People have had weddings, and parties there."
From the Trust's point of view, the aim of acquiring the building is about "securing a key asset in the village" and "making sure the Trust can help shape its future".
Ward said: "We've got a real strong ambition to make Port Sunlight village a leading visitor attraction and destination, but with the community at its heart." He added that the pub is "also a revenue generating asset", explaining: "The more revenue we can drive, the more funds we then have to spend on the village. It should be a real win-win for us."
More information on Port Sunlight Village Trust can be found on its website.
