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fras wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 08:57
What happens to the Air Balloon pub ? We had an evening meal there last summer. Pulled in to have a rest from the traffic jam !
Apparently the Air Balloon pub is to be demolished as part of the A417 scheme:
Like I said earlier, I thought the pub was a listed building?? I guess they must’ve decided it’s ‘game over’ as far as a business in that location is concerned.
Berk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 16:51
Like I said earlier, I thought the pub was a listed building?? I guess they must’ve decided it’s ‘game over’ as far as a business in that location is concerned.
Still, might make someone a nice house.
I guess if they can keep the building and put the new road through the car park it will be possible to sell the building as a house?
In that case an awayday seems a perfect idea. Like many others, I have also driven past it numerous times without ever going inside. I assume it's going to be a few years before it gets demolished so we're not pushed for time.
How would you like your grade separations, Sir? Big and complex.
Truvelo wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 20:23
In that case an awayday seems a perfect idea. Like many others, I have also driven past it numerous times without ever going inside. I assume it's going to be a few years before it gets demolished so we're not pushed for time.
It is hoped that the new road will be open to traffic in 2024 - and that's after a potentially lengthy construction period following the demolition of the pub and any other properties on the site. I am no expert in demolition and construction, but I feel that would take about three years all in and so the pub should remain open for a year or two yet. Would others here agree?
Berk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 23:03
Perhaps so, once it’s passed through planning, although as an NSIP, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem (about another year or so).
Obviously it would be far more realistic for the work to start on time than to finish on time, so any delay to the opening date would be unlikely to be a consequence of extending the working life of the pub. I would think that demolishing the premises would be one of the first bits of work to be done before anything else.
Berk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 23:40
But where will it go to?? The building, I mean.
I can foresee it being taken apart and re-erected on a different site.
Maybe it could be part of a new service area that could be built alongside one of the new junctions, not necessarily a typical motorway-style service area but perhaps something more multi-purpose which would be beneficial for many people whether they are just in for five minutes in the middle of a long drive or if they want to relax and spend a bit more time there in the evenings.
Berk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 16:51
Like I said earlier, I thought the pub was a listed building?? I guess they must’ve decided it’s ‘game over’ as far as a business in that location is concerned.
Still, might make someone a nice house.
It looks like the only way it's staying is if there's an M62 style splitting of the eastbound and westbound carriageways to leave a (very) wide central reserve. Since it looks like both carriageways are also in cutting at that point then it would be left in splendid isolation on a sort of promontory in the central reserve.
roadtester wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 17:39
Is it actually a decent pub?
I must have passed it thousands of times as a former local of sorts, but never went in. I must visit before it's too late.
Same here! Perhaps this could form the basis for a SABRE Away Day this summer?
Brilliant idea!
Yes it is a great pub. We have used it many times over the decades, enjoying good service and great items from simple coffee stop to brilliant pub-grub meals.
This was during our "Pay to get into Wales? Get stuffed!" campaign regarding the Severn Bridges Tax regime(!) which saw us travel from Winchester to Swansea via Gloucester.
So yes to the idea of an Away day. Just allow enough time to arrive through the horrendous traffic congestion!
Mike Hindson-Evans. Never argue with a conspiracy theorist.
They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
mikehindsonevans wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2019 07:27
Just allow enough time to arrive through the horrendous traffic congestion!
I've only had to queue to reach the roundabout during rush hour. Do I travel at the wrong time of day or something?
"Vlad", timing is everything. We shall be going through there today enroute to the Gloucester Rugby ground. If we have time spare, we shall caffeinate at the Air Balloon.
Mike Hindson-Evans. Never argue with a conspiracy theorist.
They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
mikehindsonevans wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2019 07:27
Just allow enough time to arrive through the horrendous traffic congestion!
I've only had to queue to reach the roundabout during rush hour. Do I travel at the wrong time of day or something?
If you travel during the late morning or early to mid afternoon then it could be the "wrong" time of the day to catch all of the congestion and queues.
It looks like the only way it's staying is if there's an M62 style splitting of the eastbound and westbound carriageways to leave a (very) wide central reserve. Since it looks like both carriageways are also in cutting at that point then it would be left in splendid isolation on a sort of promontory in the central reserve.
You know how it is the M62 farm would be gone if the 6 carriageways could have been built together, the rumours about the farmer not wanting to move always make me laugh as clearly the ones saying don’t understand it compulsory purchase, although the M62 farm is a landmark now and an air balloon could also be, the idea is nice but looks like it’s going...... on a slightly different note is there any chance this route once completed could get 1 number instead of the A417/A419 as clearly it already acknowledged as one route.