THIS is the first look at how a pub, shut for more than a year, will look after a £1.6 million revamp.
The Rose and Crown in High Street, Maldon, is set to open in June as a JD Wetherspoon after previous owners Punch Taverns sold up in December 2013.
Renovation work starts on Monday and former Mayor of Maldon and Maldon district and town councillor Stephen Savage, whose ward includes the pub, believes the budget chain's arrival will benefit the town.
He told the Chronicle: "The town council and I were enthusiastic about the planning application and I think this will enhance our town and set an example to other establishments. It is an exciting enterprise for the family.
"The pub will provide much-needed jobs and the company has an outstanding record of training, recruiting and promoting within the company. They have spent a lot of money and we are sure it will look splendid.
"They look after their staff like no other, in my opinion, and they can really bring something to an area. Hopefully, like-minded companies can follow suit."
The Rose and Crown dates back to the 16th century, and Wetherspoon say the design "reflects the period of the building" as well as the "style of the surrounding Essex area".
Likely to create about 45 jobs, the pub will not have a theme, unlike other Wetherspoon establishments across the country.
But news the pub chain is moving into the town has not been welcomed by everyone.
Gill Crawford, 47, from Keep Maldon Unique, which promotes independent traders in the town, said: "I'm delighted they would like to spend over £1.5 million on the building – it's just a shame whose name it is above the door. It's not very unique, like so much of Maldon.
"Wetherspoons does not have a very good reputation and I will not be going in there. I'd prefer to go to other pubs.
"It's such a shame an independent pub couldn't take over. I've enjoyed open mic nights, local bands and real and cask ales in the Rose and Crown – that will never happen with a Wetherspoons.
"I live nearby and I am worried about the noise at the weekends too."
Campaigners were furious when Punch Taverns closed it in 2013 because the historic pub's landlords had restored it as best they could, only to have to leave after it was sold without any consultation.
JD Wetherspoon, which has 872 establishments in the UK, was in discussions to buy the old post office, next to Moot Hall, in June 2013.
But the pub chain scrapped its plans after disagreements with Maldon District Council.
The site has now been occupied by Morrisons Local.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "We are pleased we are starting building work very soon and looking forward to opening our pub at the end of June.
"We believe the pub will appeal to a wide range of people and also be an excellent addition to the town."
