Council awards £8,000 to repair roof of popular bar

Plans to reopen Den Engel in ‘near future’

A PROPERTY which hosts a Belgian beer bar in Leek has been awarded a grant to repair the premises roof.

The Moorlands Partnership Board, run by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, has awarded Den Engel £8,000 towards the cost of the required work.

Outlining the project to councillors at the last meeting of the Board, regeneration officer Joanne Brooks said: “The Den Engel is an historic property located on Stanley Street, Leek.

“It is not listed but lies within the Leek Conservation Area and makes a positive contribution to the historic significance of the area.

“Formerly a pub/restaurant the new owners will continue to run the venue as a Belgian beer bar and intend to reopen the restaurant in the near future.

“They are keen to provide a welcoming venue for both locals and visitors to enjoy and play a key role in the community, becoming a destination for local societies and clubs and tasting sessions.

“A recent condition survey has highlighted that the roof is in a poor state of repair and requires a complete renovation of the roof and chimney, including the internal structural timbers.

“Two estimates have been received for the works, the lowest of which totals £28,000.

“Members of the Board are recommended to approve a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £28,000 (exc of VAT).”

The work will be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

All new tiles brought to site must match the existing.

The finish and appearance of the new pointing to be agreed with the regeneration officer.

All new rainwater goods to be in cast iron.

The partnership board has also awarded £8,000 for work at a property in Hugo Street, Leek.

Outlining the grant application Joanne Brooks said: “Number 19 Hugo Street is a fine Victorian brick semi-detached property lying within a residential area of the Leek Conservation Area.

“It has been empty for a number of years but is fortunate in retaining a full set of sliding sash windows. “However, given its vacancy the property has deteriorated and the new owners are keen to restore its Victorian splendour.

“They have had two quotes for the work both of which confirm that the existing windows are beyond repair.

“They are therefore requesting a grant to reinstate new sash windows to the front and gable elevation. These will be constructed in timber to match exactly the existing windows.

“The restoration of this property will be a significant enhancement to this area.

“Two estimates have been received for the works, the lowest of which totals £13,000 (exc of VAT).”

Councillor Ben Emery said: “We want to keep it looking the same. It is important that it is done properly.”

Councillors approved a maximum grant of £8,000.