Pub could create 50 jobs in Maltby

JD Wetherspoon hopes to open the derelict Queens Hotel in March following a £1million refurbishment.

Workers have been on site for several weeks and are hoping to recapture the former glory of the iconic venue on Tickhill Road,

News that the venture will create between 40 and 50 jobs and refurbish an eyesore in the area has been welcomed by the local community and business leaders.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said the pub is to be named The Queens Hotel and is set to open on 27th March.

Wetherspoon chief executive, John Hutson, said: “We are looking forward to opening our new pub in Maltby.”

“We believe it will appeal to a cross section of people and be an asset to the town.”

“The Queens Hotel is a landmark building and we are redeveloping it in order to bring it back to its former glory.”

The plans submitted to Rotherham Council show that there will be seating inside the building for about 190 people.

The refurbishment will also see an outside terrace created and a car park.

Maltby Town councillor Keith Stringer said these were exciting times for Maltby, especially because so many new jobs were being created in the area.

“For months the Queens Hotel has been an eyesore but it’s good to see the external renovation work coming along well at the moment,” he added.

“I am also pleased to learn that as many as 50 jobs could be created which again is very good news.”

“I have visited the Wetherspoon’s in York on a number of occasions and I can honestly say that if the Queen’s functions like that one, then we the people of Maltby will have a facility to be proud of in the not to distant future.”

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron said: “It is pleasing to hear that a new restaurant is to open in Maltby, especially as it will bring a number of employment opportunities.”

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the news.

Executive Director Andrew Denniff: “This news is most welcome as it will create openings for jobs for people within the local area and will also revive The Queen’s Hotel, which has been empty for some time.”

The pub was opened in 1923 and was seen as a very upmarket place for many years.

In more recent years it had been labelled an eyesore and a significant trouble spot with people breaking into it.

JD Wetherspoon hopes to refurbish the building to how it once was - bringing the character of Maltby, particularly the pit, through the design.

Various walls have been stripped back to the original brickwork, but a modern twist is also being added through steelwork.