Legendary live music venue the Star and Garter has moved a step closer to closure after plans for compulsory purchase were revealed.
As a scheme to expand Piccadilly station gathers steam, Network Rail has dispatched documents showing which land could be snapped up if its application to force sales near the Fairfield Street venue succeeds.
Owner Andy Martin told the M.E.N. he had been aware of plans for seven years, but believes the latest news signals the end is in sight.
Previously he said a three-year road closure blocking access would run the pub out of business, but he now believes the Grade II listed building will be bought up by the firm.
He added: “They can’t knock it down because it’s listed. But what they don’t realise is if I move out it will be broken into, robbed and burned down within six months.”
He has now received a letter on behalf of Network Rail explaining they have applied to the Department of Transport for the POWER to compulsorily purchase pieces of land – although they have insisted to the M.E.N. the Star and Garter is not included in the plans. The venue has become synonymous with the Smiths, attracting Morrissey fans from all over the world.
Some have warned they will chain themselves to the building in protest. If successful, the order would give Network Rail the power to acquire land and rights relating to the land. Similar schemes have generated controversy in other parts of the country where homeowners living on proposed high speed rail link routes have been offered knock-down prices for their properties.
Network Rail has invited representations on the scheme before the consultation window closes in February. But Andy believes no significant changes will be made to the draft order, and said he would bring in solicitors to challenge project chiefs at the eleventh hour if need be. With bookings long into next year already made, he said putting the bar out of business would signal a death knell for live music.
He said: “There are nights that we have had on for 20 years, like The Smiths night. I can’t just find that a new home in five minutes. I’ve got punk nights booked until next November.”
Work on expanding Piccadilly Station is expected to begin in early 2016, and run until late 2018.But as things stand Andy is not optimistic he can change the course of events before then, adding: “Without question it will stop being a music venue. It’ll turn into a two-storey Starbucks.”
