A NEIGHBOURHOOD pub will be reborn on the fourth of July, its owners have announced.

The future of the Holly Bush on Osney Island, West Oxford, was first thrown into doubt in 2013 when Greene King sold the pub and its contents.

READ AGAIN: Plans revealed for reopening Holly Bush pub in Oxford

It was then bought by a property developer who has since rented it out as flats before Bedford-based pub company Charles Wells took it over and last year announced plans to revive it.

Oxford Mail:

Now Charles Wells bosses say they ready to move forward with their plans to revamp the Holly Bush under the Pizza, Pots & Pints brand and they have announced some key dates, including the proposed opening date.

READ AGAIN: How iconic city pub The Oxford Blue has been transformed

Company spokesman Benjamin Smith has been in touch with Jericho and Osney Labour city councillor to update her on progress with the plans.

He told her in an email: “We have now had the planning conditions discharged and therefore we are able to move forward and plan the refurbishment.

“Our intention is to adhere to the following milestones - works commence on April 23, targeted opening July 4.

“It’s later than we had planned but we were not able to progress until we had full go-ahead from the planning department, which has now been granted.

READ AGAIN: Holly Bush conversion called in by city councillors

“However, we are now very much looking forward to being able to open the doors to all the Osney Island residents in the not too distant future.

“Obviously this will see us soon begin recruiting for roles at the pub and we would love to be able to work with suitable candidates from the local area.”

The planning application included creating a new beer garden with wooden decking and bench seating, and new customer toilets.

Ms Pressel said: “This pub has been closed for some years now.

Oxford Mail:

“The upper floor has been operating as a house in multiple occupation but the building and its surroundings have been looking sad and neglected.

READ AGAIN: Couple bid to buy closed Holly Bush pub in Osney

“We have been battling to preserve it as a pub: its previous owner wanted to turn it into expensive housing. Last summer the site was finally bought by the Charles Wells Brewery, which already owns the popular Oxford Blue in East Oxford. Most local residents were delighted by the news.

Oxford Mail:

“The new owners have had a bit of trouble getting planning permission from the city council, since this is a prominent site in a conservation area, but it’s good news that they are at last in a position to start work on extending and renovating the building.

“They are making the right noises about wanting to be a comfortable and welcoming local pub and wanting to be good neighbours in a residential area.

"Most of us are looking forward to July 4.”

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Osney Island is also the home of The Punter in South Street, formerly The Waterman’s Arms.

The Oxford Blue in Marston Street was transformed by the Pizza, Pots & Pints brand in the summer.

Its selling points are an open-space feel, freshly made pizzas, real ale, including Charles Wells’ own beers, and craft lager.