Five Bells Reopening Project Roadmap
Please see our latest up to date project timeline.
Updated October 2025
The Five Bells is a Grade II listed building which will require us to work closely with Test Valley Borough Council and develop plans for a viable community business while retaining the building’s valuable heritage. We will mix familiarity with its past with its new purpose as a hub for our community.
As this is a community project, we want to support local businesses and employment as much as possible. Volunteers will also play an important role in the renovation.
Viability Study - COMPLETED June 2025
Business Plan and Model - COMPLETED September 2025
Legal Advice from TVBC - IN PROGRESS: October 2025
Engineering Surveys - Estimate: November 2025
Public Engagement and Pledge Drive - Estimate: December 2025
TVBC Action CPO - Estimate: January 2026
Liaising with the council and legal representatives through the court and CPO process - Estimate: January to September 2026
Coordinating planning and listed building approvals - Estimate: September 2026
Community engagement - Estimate: December 2026
Overseeing the refurbishment and build phase, including contractors, costs, and scheduling - Estimate: 2027
Setting up operational systems for the pub (licensing, insurance, suppliers, compliance, etc.) - Estimate: 2028
Negotiating with Christies and the new tenants - Estimate: 2028