Pendle News Room

The Bull pub, built in 1866 on Scotland Road and which had been empty for over three years, has a new lease of life.

Pendle Council and the Nelson Area Committee have supported the interesting pub conversion with an investment of over £12,000 through a Premises Improvement Grant.

An additional eight businesses in Nelson benefited from the grant scheme this year.

At The Bull the grant helped to pay for stone cleaning, structural building changes and replacement shop fronts..

Four new quality business units have been created on the ground floor with six modern apartments above. 

Cllr Mohammad Iqbal, who leads on Economic Development for Pendle explained:

 “The original pub was part of a larger development of cottages and shops, with a courtyard at the back.

“The new development will return the building to part of its former use.

 “I’m delighted we’ve helped to get a long term vacant premises back into business.

“Four exciting businesses are now set up in a prime position in Nelson - this is fantastic news for the town!” He added.

Cllr Asjad Mahmood, from Nelson Area Committee which approved the grant, said;

“This week we’re celebrating enterprising business people who’ve moved into the elegant building including Hollywood Hair, Laura Nazir make-up and Fresh Fire and Security Ltd.

“And a new café selling cake and coffee will be opening in about three weeks’  time, on the route to and from Nelson & Colne College.

“We’re keen to promote business in Pendle and support regeneration,” he stated.

Holly Robinson, who’s run her business Hollywood Hair in Nelson for the last five years, re-located to her new position in the former Bull pub, occupying what was the dance floor.  Holly said:

“It’s been marvellous! It’s a good area and gets attention with lots of footfall, which is really good for my business .”

Jason Kelly, who works at FRESH Fire and Security Ltd,  was a regular at The Bull and his friend was the last landlord at the pub before it closed down.  He said:

“My desk is where the snooker table was and I used to play darts in the area at the front of our shop!

“The work on The Bull has made a massive difference - they’ve made good use of the space available.

It’s a job well done,” he added.

Laura Nazir from Brierfield has been a professional make up artist for five years and her salon is right on the curved corner of the historic building.  She said:

“I’m in a fantastic position for maximum impact and located between the motorway and the town centre.

Muhammed Karim who is the new landlord of the transformed Bull building said:

“It’s great to get an empty building in a prominent position converted and fully occupied, including modern accommodation.”