Campaigners finalise alternative vision for Sheffield pub as they fight to save it from demolition

The Plough Community Campaign say they have produced a “viable business model” for the venue, which includes restoring it into a ‘high-quality heritage pub’ which a food and drink offering that uses local suppliers. The group also want to make the most of the site’s football and cricket heritage and market it as a tourist venue “integral to Sheffield’s city of sport and home of football strategy.”

The original rules of football were developed at The Plough and Hallam FC – the world’s second oldest football club – were founded there. Former landlord Thomas Armitage is also the only cricketer to play a first-class match for both England and the USA.

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Labour councillor Anne Murphy, who represents Crookes and Crosspool, said: “I don’t object to housing being built and I really understand we need more homes in Sheffield. However, I don’t think we need them at the cost of our historical heritage buildings.

"It would be great if Sheffield looked at making it a World Heritage Site.”

Other plans include refurbishing the first floor accommodation to create another income stream, reinstating the function room and the option of new build on the large car park to provide flexible hi-tech workspace.

Cllr Murphy said: “Crosspool doesn’t really have it’s own community space so that would be wonderful.

"We’re ambitious for The Plough to become somewhere people might want to get married in and celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. I really think Sheffield should get behind saving it [...] it shouldn’t be knocked down and made into luxury flats or houses.”

Developers Spacepad, who own the site, are expected to contest the decision to reject their plans and have around four months to submit an appeal. Due to them ‘refusing to engage’ with the community, chairman of The Plough Community Campaign Peter Duff believes the next chance the group will have to put forward their vision will be at an appeal hearing.

Cllr Murphy said the community raised enough money to save the pub 2015, when it closed. Part of that involved community shares, which are being considered again alongside loans and grants based on the site’s heritage.

Spacepad declined to comment.