Historic London gay bar The Yard saved from redevelopment after two-year battle
By Will Stroude
One of London’s most famous gay bars has been saved from redevelopment after a two-year fight with property development.
Westminster Council had been working to save the Yard Bar after developers Consolidated Property Corporation Limited submitted plans to turn the bar’s courtyard into flats.
We did it! The landlord has lost the appeals. We can't thank you enough for your support. The Yard & its rich history live on #SAVETHEYARD
— Yard_Soho (@Yard_Soho) August 12, 2016
The proposals were initially protested by the bar, as well as heritage groups Soho Society and Historic England.
According to the London Evening Standard, the developers have finally had their appeals thrown out for good after the local the council initially blocked the redevelopment plans back in March last year.
The Yard’s owner, Andy Jones, who led the campaign to protect The Yard, is understandably pleased with the news.
“The support we got from Westminster City Council, ward Councillors, Historic England, Soho Society, heritage experts and the LGBT, business and residential communities was huge and unbelievable,” he said.
“We can’t thank everyone enough. Ultimately, all of their support helped to overcome the multiple applications and common sense has prevailed. Long live The Yard!”