In the Autumn of 2024, having been closed for four and a half years and having deteriorated in its condition during that period, The Hollybush was put on the market for sale by its owners.
Following an initial public meeting, a small group of volunteers decided to explore further the possibility of purchasing The Hollybush for use as a pub and community hub. Indicative offers of potential funding to make that purchase and to carry out initial repair work were sought from the community in Draethen. As word of the proposal spread, offers of financial support were received from Lower Machen, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw and from wider locations - including overseas! The response was very favourable with around 50 positive responses being received equating to the overwhelming majority of the target figure referred to in the first communication. So positive was the reaction that it was decided to engage with the selling agent and to register the community’s interest as a prospective purchaser.
To date, the view has been taken that the community would be a purchaser of last resort. If an experienced operator wanted to purchase The Hollybush for a pub etc. use, the community of Draethen would be very happy for that to take place and would offer its support and assistance to such a buyer as required. Unfortunately all interest in and offers to acquire The Hollybush for hospitality use have fallen away. The time has now come for the community to step forward itself to secure The Hollybush.
In view of the way in which The Hollybush is being marketed, time is very much of the essence. In Wales, unfortunately, we do not have the benefit of community right to bid legislation that applies in other parts of the UK and we have not been given any preference by the current owner. That has in no small way dictated the approach in which the initial volunteer group has operated to date, but if The Hollybush is purchased that situation will and will need to change rapidly. There will be countless opportunities for Members and others to volunteer and to assist in a very wide range of areas.