Bulldozers move in on Telford live music venue
An historic Telford pub that was a hotbed for up-and-coming musicians is in the midst of being demolished.
The Haygate, in Wellington, was a place for aspiring performers from across Telford to cut their teeth for over 15 years, but after the proprietors moved to France last year the venue lay dormant.
Now wrecking crews are knocking down the building on Haygate Road, and it is unclear what will happen to the site.
Russell Griffin, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The owners submitted a demolition notice to the council’s building control section in August for the demolition of all buildings on the site.
“At present there has been no planning application submitted in respect of any new replacement or development, so the future plans for the site are currently unknown.”
Tina and Richard Saxon took over the pub in March of 2003 and, determined to boost the area’s live music offering, put up a stage and venue lighting.
They hosted music nights most weeks until April of last year, and also held a number of festivals over the years.
The Haygate played host to thousands of bands from all over the world, and built up a reputation as a place for young and emerging rock bands to grow their fanbases and connect with other musicians.
A punk and ska festival began at the venue 10 years ago, and the pub has also hosted an indie festival.
Farewell
It celebrated its 10th anniversary as a music venue in 2013 with another festival.
In March last year Tina and Richard said they wanted to fulfil their dream and move to France, and they hosted a farewell gig in April.
The pub’s stage has already been destroyed and the work on the rest of the building is progressing.
One of the musicians who mourned its passing was Marcus Byczkowski, who played regularly with Wellington-based Crown of Helios.
Marcus, 25, said: “It was quite a fun place to play really. Even if it was just for our friends or new people, we had somewhere to gather and hang out, play some cool music that we all enjoyed.
“We had a couple of people who’d book decent metal bands from all over the country and have us on the bill, so I got to play with some really good bands and meet new people from it.
“It’s a shame to see it go because there isn’t really anywhere like that for bands to play here anymore.
“We need somewhere new for rock and metal bands to play. There isn’t anywhere quite like the Haygate.”
