A FORMER Hereford pub gutted by two fires in a fortnight could be transformed into a showcase for the city.

Some of Britain’s biggest housebuilders have inquired about the Sportsman Inn on Widemarsh Common. But owner Guy Taylor has his own grand designs – and wants a development to be proud of.

The former pub is fenced off following two arson attacks in April, one of which occurred when residents were inside.

But the brickwork is sound and high-end apartments or a complete re-build are two schemes being considered.

“It’s quite an attractive property. We want to get it cleared up as quickly as we can, so we can make use of it,” said Mr Taylor. “We obviously have to speak to the local authority with regards with any plans, but we could easily re-establish it as what it was.” According to Martin King, director of Taylor Properties, refurbishment would cost around £750,000 and would provide six bedsits and five flats. Demolition is an option – around 30 houses could be built on the site – but the firm is keeping its options open.

“We would like to progress and develop it, so it’s more of a showcase for the northern entrance to the city,” said Mr King.

“We’ve got two very positive developments for it. One is for some high-end apartments and the other is for supported living accommodation.” Mr King added that “all sorts of developers” had approach-ed Taylor Properties, which was unlikely to renovate or demolish the building before the end of this year.