Sheffield pub with military history could close and be converted into a 14-bed house

Developers want to convert the Hillsborough Hotel on Langsett Road, which dates back to the early 20th Century, into a multi-occupancy house with 14 separate bedrooms.

The loss-making business is up for sale.

David Cormack Architects, on behalf of developers, says there is a strong demand for affordable single room accommodation and the pub trade is struggling.

He said: “The business is operating at a substantial trading loss due to several factors.

“There’s a long term decline in the popularity of Langsett Road outside of the main shopping and hospitality centres and consequential failure of pubs.

“It is too distant to either Hillsborough, or the growing Neepsend to attract the important night time and weekend trade.

“Loss of other nearby pubs, whilst removing competition, also removes choice in customer decisions in venue selection

“A period of tram rail replacement works in 2019 caused interruption to trade which the current proprietor reports has not recovered.

“The hotel part of the business does break even in isolation and makes a small profit but this is outweighed by the loss making bar and restaurant and the burden of fixed and running costs.

“The business needs to cease as soon as possible as it is unsustainable. The business is for sale as a going-concern and unlikely to attract a buyer in a declining market.”

One resident on Bankfield Road said: “The pub, formerly known as The Wellington, is probably the fourth such establishment on the site and has connections with both the Sheffield Horse Barracks and its successor Hillsborough Barracks.

“Originally known as the Hero and his Horse this is a reference to the Duke of Wellington and his horse Copenhagen at Waterloo. The 100th Anniversary of Waterloo was celebrated in the pub.

“There is a history behind the pub which should be reflected in the new development.

“The tiles by the front entrance are probably original circa 1928 and should be saved. A photographic record of the inside and outside of the pub should be made and forwarded to Picture Sheffield.”

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