Newark residents react to news that former Wetherspoon pub, The Sir John Arderne, in Newark Market Place will be auctioned off with SDL Property Auctions

Residents have been reacting to news that a former town centre pub is now up for auction.

The former J D Wetherspoon pub, The Sir John Arderne, in Newark Market Place closed in August 2023 and will be sold through SDL Property Auctions today.

The Grade II listed building is set to go under the hammer at 9am this morning (September 26) as part of a live streamed sale, featuring 240 other properties and plots of land.

Upon hearing about the sale, many Newarkers were happy to see that the building would be coming back into use after standing empty and boarded up for over a year.

Jayne Sharpe said: “Should never have closed Wetherspoons. Always busy.”

Finally, Jacqui Torrance commented: “Let's hope that whoever buys it will renovate the building and retain its original features.

“Don't let them change it into some weird hybrid of original and ultra-modern architecture.”

Some were sceptical about the future of the building due to the need for widespread refurbishments, with James Anderson saying “the roof wants doing”, and Stewart Codd simply commenting “wrecking ball!”

While others hypothesised about what could replace the pub following similar property sales in the town centre.

Katerine Groom said: “Hopefully someone else will take over now, Nando's or something similar would be great in there.”

“Let me guess... apartments above and shops or offices below?” said Gemma Evision.

Oscar Wablasand added: “Great, another residential accommodation.”

What are your thoughts? What would you like to see done with the building?