A piece of Workington has almost vanished as the last remnants of the Henry Curwen pub remain.
The pub, which has been vacant for a number of years, is being demolished to make way for the £10 million Workington Gateway scheme.
The Henry Curwen 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 in August.
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.”
Hall Park Brow is also set to be reconfigured as part of the scheme.
Two new planning applications have been lodged as part of the £10 million Workington Gateway scheme.
Cumberland Council wants to widen Hall Brow, between Workington police station and Hall Park and has lodged two planning applications.
It said it was a narrow and congested road, causing issues for residents, and could be a tight squeeze for buses and HGVs.
The first planning application proposes widening the road, which means a long stretch of wall would be moved.
If permission is granted, the wall would be moved further into Hall Park and completely rebuilt in its traditional style. Parking for residents would also be formalised and a new pedestrian crossing created.
Hall Park is Grade II listed so a planning application is required to make the changes.
The second application involves the upgrade of pedestrian and cycle routes through Hall Park.
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.
