The Old Tramshed in Saltaire is to be re-named The Hop and have a £200,000 refurbishment in a move which will create five jobs.

The investment has been welcomed although minor regret has been expressed over the loss of the venue’s name.

Owner Osset Brewery is changing The Old Tramshed into the style of other successful ‘Hops’ in York, Leeds and Wakefield which offer live entertainment, real ale, continental beers and food throughout the day and evening.

The venue, on Bingley Road has been a popular meeting point for local people and visitors since the final tram in 1939.

The refurbishment will include the instalation of a wood-burning pizza oven, a new stage, dance floor and outside seating area.

A resident DJ will play every Friday night and every other Saturday night it will host live performances from local artists and nationally recognised tribute acts.

Managing director Jamie Lawson said “We’re proud to be re-launching The Old Tramshed site in Saltaire. We’re well aware of our building’s history and importance to the local community and are excited to introduce something a little different to the venue.

“Whilst there is no doubt that there is a lot of love for the bar locally, in recent years it has been somewhat neglected so we have invested carefully to ensure we not only provide great food, drinks and entertainment but also that the interior design is brought up to the highest quality.

“Simple things like new roofing and windows will ensure the venue stands for another 100 years, enriching the building’s history even further.

“We believe the refurbishment has a real wow factor that we sincerely hope everyone will love, and the new interior design reflects the high standard The Hop concept has been founded on.”

The chairman of Saltaire Traders’ Association Martin Ford welcomed the re-development, but said he, and many others, would miss the name The Old Tramshed.

“I am glad it is getting a new lease of life and it sounds great, but as someone who likes to see history continue, I think it is a pity it has to lose its name,” he said.

“People will probably continue to call it The Tramshed.”

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) added: “I hope The Hop goes from strength to strength and will be part of the regeneration programme for that part of Shipley.

“I welcome the investment and it sounds as if it will be managed in a way that recognises the needs and amenities of local residents.”