Cheers! Pub museum and hotel will be major boost
IT’S the cheap and cheerful pub chain frequented by those who like a simple pint and few thrills. But now Midlanders will be able to enjoy one of the less likely tourist attractions to open here – a JD Wetherspoons museum.
The group behind JD Wetherspoon has chosen Wolverhampton to host its national museum, which will see 50 new jobs created.
It is part of plans submitted to Wolverhampton Council for a £7 million makeover of The Moon Under Water pub. The proposals include a 70-bed hotel built above the Lichfield Street venue opposite the Grand Theatre.
The 40,000 sq ft space above the pub, with its Art Deco frontage, has been empty for more than 30 years after being vacated by the Co-op.
If the plans are approved, generate up to 50 jobs.
The news follows the Grand Theatre’s recent announcement of plans to expand into the former post office next door to build a pop-up theatre, as well as the council’s proposal to pedestrianise part of Lichfield Street.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We have great plans for the popular The Moon under Water pub in Wolverhampton. Subject to planning it could permission we aim to invest £7 million on the new pub, to extend it and also to build a hotel above it. It would also create many new jobs.
“We believe this will be great for the pub, its customers and just as importantly the city itself. We are also confident that it would act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in Wolverhampton.
“We also feel the museum will prove popular with people who want to know more of the history of the company and see artefacts from the past. The fact that Wetherspoon wishes to house it in Wolverhampton is positive for the city.”
Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy on Wolverhampton council, added: “There is currently £1 billion investment in the city centre and this exciting scheme is another example of the growing in confidence in our city.”