Hello New Dolphin supporters,
Following our recent community meeting on the 13th of December, we wanted to share a clear update on where we are with the project to buy, refurbish and reopen The Dolphin. A huge amount has happened over the past months, and the momentum is strong. You’ll find an overview of the key points below.
Where We Started
Six years ago, an initial committee attempted to secure The Dolphin before it went to auction. After the sale to Mr Dare in 2019, a public meeting earlier this year led to the formation of the new committee now driving the project forward.
What’s Been Achieved
A committed team of around ten volunteers has:
- Formed the formal Community Benefit Society and opened a new bank account
- Produced the business plan and share offer documentation
- Engaged with the Plunkett Foundation, Cooperative Bank and other advisors
- Held 37 committee meetings, contributing over 2,000 volunteer hours
- Negotiated a viable purchase agreement with the owner
Why This Matters
The Dolphin is a central part of village life and sits within a conservation area. Reopening it will:
- Provide a welcoming daytime and evening hub
- Offer space to meet, work, relax and connect
- Strengthen community wellbeing and identity
- Positively influence local property values, supported by national research
What We’re Buying
We have agreed in principle to purchase the larger part of the building (approx. 213 sqm), with the owner retaining the accommodation section.
Before the sale completes, the current owner will:
- Build the partition wall
- Remove old outbuildings and toilets
- Separate utilities
- Install a new roof, windows and doors
- Render and paint the building
- Create a larger community garden area
Agreed price: £130,000 (subject to contract)
Planning & Next Steps
- We will lead the planning application for the building split and our refurbishment
- Early feedback from the district council is positive, with a request for a more sensitive design
- Architects are refining the scheme
- A survey of our part of the building will be commissioned
- Michelmores will handle conveyancing
- Once planning is granted, the owner will begin the agreed works
Projected opening date: December 2026
Funding
Current and expected sources include:
- Reach Fund grant (Granted on 16th December).
- Pro‑bono legal support from Michelmores
- Community share offer
- Grants, loans and community lending options
Pledge payments will be required around August 2026. Full funds must be in place before exchange.
Illustrative example of a potential future Dolphin
Key FAQs
- Food offering: Simple, good food initially (pizzas, pies, curries), plus daytime coffee and cakes.
- Committee benefits: None — all committee members pay for their own drinks.
- Community input: Anyone can join the committee; feedback from questionnaires is being used.
- Renovation costs: Reviewed by multiple specialists; estimates are robust.
- Staffing: A paid manager supported by volunteers; a new operational committee will form once open.
- Event income: Approx. £8,000 raised this year; £5,000 currently in the account.
- Pricing: Not aiming to be the cheapest; focus on local brewers and suppliers, good coffee and simple fresh food.
- If funds fall short: Major fundraising push planned; loans only as a last resort; additional grants will be pursued.
What’s Next in 2026
We still need £100,000 to renovate and £30,000 to stock and furnish, so keep an eye out for lots of great fundraising events happening in 2026.
Best regards
KPCG Committee
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