Derelict Barrow pub should remain as part of town’s heritage – objectors to new flats plan

Objectors to plans to knock down a derelict pub and build apartments said the architecture was from a time when ‘Barrow was the powerhouse of the world’.

Westwise Development Ltd wants to demolish the former Queens Arms pub on Rawlinson Street and build a three-storey 21-unit apartment block.

It would have 18 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats. The site will be car-free apart from two electric vehicle charging points.

However, objectors said the building, which dates back to the 1850s, was part of Barrow’s heritage and should not be knocked down.

One objector said: “This is one of the few historical buildings left in Barrow and it would be such a loss. I agree the building requires work, but this has been part of the end of Rawlinson Street for generations.

“The brilliant red architecture is from a time when Barrow was the powerhouse of the world. There are very few of these buildings left in Barrow and this one should be allowed to stand for the heritage of our town.”

The Queens Arms opened in 1853 and changed many times over the years – becoming a popular live music venue before its closure in 2008.

Westwise Developments said: “Despite efforts to secure the property, there have been ongoing problems with vandalism and theft of building materials and the structural condition of the building has now deteriorated beyond economic repair.

“In its current condition the building has a negative impact on the street scene – particularly given its prominent corner position visible from Salthouse Road.

“Allowing the demolition and rebuilding with a high-quality new building would make a significant contribution to the proposed wider regeneration projects in the area including the nearby Marina Village strategic allocation and the proposed housing renewal programme along Rawlinson Street.”

Plans for the apartment block were previously withdrawn in October last year after Barrow local area planning committee were recommended to refuse it as it was an uninspiring and bland design.

The report said: “It fails to sensitively acknowledge adjacent heritage assets and their setting or to preserve or enhance the historic environment or to take into account key vistas, viewpoints and characteristics to achieve a sense of place.”

The new planning application said amendments had been made to improve the design and impact on heritage assets.

Among changes include private outdoor space for some flats, high quality brickwork on Rawlinson Street and the use of local red sandstone on parts of the building.

The height of the proposed apartment block would be no higher than the existing building.

The planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.