WORK is ongoing at a vacant city pub to help attract a new tenant, while the owner has released artwork of how the refurbished boozer will look when everything is finished.

Subsidence works have now been completed at the Alma Tavern, according to owner Star Pubs & Bars (SPB), while maintenance work is ongoing.

However, a full refurbishment will only be undertaken once a new licensee has come onboard.

The Droitwich Road pub had been boarded up since May, after then-tenant Tim Churchman walked away having invested around £7,000 of his own money into the business.

A spokeswoman for SPB said plans have been “finalised” for a refurbishment at The Alma but she could not give a timeframe for completion.

Mr Churchman, 53, who now runs The Bridge Inn, Tibberton, said in June: “I feel sorry for the Alma – I wanted to keep it going as a community pub, but there was too much uncertainty and I couldn’t carry on losing money.”

He had taken over as part of a tenant-at-will agreement with previous owners Punch Taverns, which means there is no fixed term – but said he was assured by SPB he had first option on a longer-term lease.

He claims a refurbishment had been planned under the previous owners, but there was no clear communication about when that would take place once SPB took over.

“It’s hard to attract new business when people are walking past, and they know nothing’s changed for 15 years,” said Mr Churchman.

He said he had reported a leaking roof and drainage problems in the cellar. These issues are apparently being dealt with as part of the current works.

The SPB spokeswoman said: “We are now undertaking maintenance work to the building and have finalised plans for a refurbishment of The Alma. We are currently looking for a new licensee to take on the pub so that we can implement these exciting plans. Anyone interested in this business opportunity can find out more at starpubs.co.uk.”