The Pulpit Inn, a landmark building on Portland Bill, has planning permission for demolition and development as holiday accommodation and a café/bar. As the pub had been recognised as an Asset of Community Value this designation presents the chance for the community to make a bid for the building and a unique opportunity for Portland’s residents to be part of shaping its future.

We are inviting all members of the Portland community to take part in an important survey to share their ideas and opinions on its potential uses. This is your chance to contribute to a proposal aimed at funding the purchase and transformation of The Pulpit into an accessible and affordable community venue. Our goal is to create a space that generates income while offering various activities that will benefit both local residents and visitors to the island whilst safeguarding the natural beauty of the landscape and environment around Portland Bill.

The survey is designed to gather a wide range of ideas and ensure that the final proposal reflects the desires and needs of the community.

We believe that a community space envisioned and owned collectively can greatly enhance the cultural and social fabric of Portland. Your input is crucial in making this vision a reality.

You can access the survey online at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/thepulpitinn. It will take approximately five minutes to complete.

There is a limited timeframe to make a bid and we encourage everyone to respond promptly to this exciting chance to shape the future of a cherished local asset.

Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community hub that showcases the spirit of Portland.

“The recent b-side ‘This Land’ project has highlighted just how significant this area of the island is, not just historically and environmentally but also emotionally – for residents and also visitors who love the place and come back year after year. The area is a special one – with increasing recognition for its unique landscape character, flora and flora and historical interest, and with a deeper significance as the last remaining area of Portland’s original grassland and farming landscape –we believe a community bid for the Pulpit represents a genuine opportunity to create something that helps protect and enhance this vulnerable area.” b-side

Motivated by the ‘Future Portland’ discussion event last year and the inspiring stories of successful community ownership projects elsewhere, ICA, b-side and The Portland Association are supporting our communities right to bid for this Asset of Community Value.