Work is set to get underway to prepare a former Whitehaven pub for demolition later this year.
The John Paul Jones, on Duke Street, closed its doors in June 2018 and social impact property developers BEC announced today that work will begin to strip out the inside of the pub.
BEC acquired the building from then owners Riverside Community Pubs in July 2019 as part of land assembly work that included the next door Mark House and Park nightclub sites which BEC acquired in 2017.
BEC have plans to develop the overall site, which is 0.70 acres in total as a hotel, residential and leisure destination for the town.
Steve Holland, head of developments at BEC, said: “The opportunity to acquire the John-Paul Jones site meant we could complete the land assembly; tidying up the site enables us to create a gateway development that reflects the history and heritage of the iconic harbour area, retaining and showcasing the historic features of the former Turkish baths and cupola.
“We are in ongoing discussions with local planners and interested parties about the redevelopment of the various sites we own in Whitehaven.”
Bill Graham, head of investments at BEC, added: “Having terminated the services to the building, we are now able to progress the strip out work which will begin soon, with demolition expected later in the year subject to discussions with planners.
“The strip out will involve removing the bar and remaining fixtures and fittings. We’ve awarded the work to local contractor Westlakes Demolition.”
Work will begin on site later this month and is expected to take four to five days in total.
