A Workington pub is being demolished to make way for a major £10 million redevelopment.
The Henry Curwen, which has been empty for some time, is being knocked down so the road junction can be reconfigured.
Thompsons of Prudhoe, which has a base at Brampton, near Carlisle, began work on the pub on the corner of Ramsay Brow last month.
Cumberland Council, which is behind the project, said no disruption for motorists is expected, though a small section of footpath, next to the site, will be temporarily closed.
It said the building’s removal will remove a pinchpoint where the A66 and A596 meet, opening up the junction to give easier access for HGVs and other larger vehicles.
The project’s main aim is to cut journey times to north Workington’s key employment sites and reduce the impact of HGV traffic on surrounding communities, it added.
A spokesman said: “The building’s demolition is essential site preparation for the Workington Gateway project, a £10 million scheme which will also see enhancements to pedestrian and cycle routes in and around neighbouring Hall Park, a new horticultural centre and café for the West House social enterprise in the parkland’s walled garden, and a lighting scheme on the historic Workington Hall.”
Workington Gateway is a number of regeneration projects in the town which are benefiting from £33 million of external funding.
They include a new Sports Village and an Innovation Centre business facility, as well as a logistics and energy hub at the Port of Workington.
The town’s public realm will also be enhanced, and a Digital Accelerator Hub at Lakes College, Lillyhall, has already opened.
