Developer says scheme can be designed that wraps around the existing Pig

The developer’s consultant, Simon Stone, told the Cambridge Independent today (see link below) that “If we design a scheme that wraps around it, that can be done but the pub would have to shut during the development. They couldn’t live there. And if it closes for two to three years we think it won’t survive. We think that is what would kill it.” (My emphasis)

Well, I for one can tell him it absolutely wouldn’t kill it! I can wait two to three years if it comes to that – a small price to pay for a building which is 180 years old!  What do you guys think?

Of course there’s the question of why the building needs to be shut at all during the development as it would seem unnecessary. There are tons of examples of major developments being built right up to the party wall of adjoining properties which don’t need to shut.  However, it if really does need to shut then we would need to ensure that there is proper security for the empty building to keep arsonists out and bulldozers away.  Also we would need to sort out temporary accommodation for the current landlords.  But all-in-all a promising 'development' one that would not have happened but for the 12,000 plus signatures on this petition.  Many thanks!!!!

So, for tomorrow I suggest you make this an active line of questioning as we want to encourage the developer to build the offices around the Pig to ensure its continued existence for the next 180 years!