PLANS to revamp a historic pub have been hit by further delays – but it means 2018 is set to be an ‘exciting’ year for Dorchester.

The King’s Arms in High East Street closed its doors in 2015, but there were fresh hopes for the future of the building when proposals for a major refurbishment were given the thumbs up by councillors in November last year.

Owners Stay Original Co, previously the Draco Pub Company, said at the time that the Kings Arms would be re-opened later this year, but the company’s website now states that it will be opening in ‘early 2018’.

The pub is thought to be more than 280 years old and featured in Thomas Hardy’s novel The Mayor of Casterbridge.

Dorchester Town Councillor and Town Crier Alistair Chisholm said he wasn’t surprised to hear that the opening date has been pushed back to 2018, given that work on the building has not yet started.

He added: “I would rather they did take slightly longer and make a good job of it and I'm cautiously optimistic that they will. It is a very important and iconic building in Dorchester – it’s a really the most spectacular building on that side of the road.”

The hotel was managed and run independently – though it was previously a member of the Best Western hotel group – when it went into receivership in January 2015.

It was purchased by the Draco Pub Company, who closed it for refurbishment in December 2015. It was originally hoped to be re-opened in January 2017.

The plans include upgrading the accommodation and bar and restaurant area as well as removing the conservatory at the back of the building.

With the re-opening date now set for next year, Cllr Chisholm said 2018 will be an exciting time for Dorchester.

“It’s the 90th anniversary of the death of Thomas Hardy next year, the 50th anniversary of the Thomas Hardy Society and it’s when the Shire Hall project is anticipated to be completed.

“That part of the high street is not exactly at its best – with the exception of East Gate – but with the restoration, redevelopment and regeneration of the Kings Arms, it might all be smartened up a bit.”

The pub is unique, he added, because it is specifically named in Hardy’s novel.

“Usually he would change names but the Kings Arms stays as the Kings Arms. Next year is going to be an important, an exciting year for the town, and I’m looking forward to it.”

No one from Stay Original Co was available to comment.