A cafe building in a Workington park will be demolished, it has been revealed.
The premises in Vulcan Park is owned by Workington Town Council.
It said detailed structural surveys and specialist asbestos assessments confirmed that the building was unsafe and could not be viably repaired.
The town council said over the past year, it had explored several options for the site in the hope that the building could be restored and let to local businesses or franchises.
However, it said the findings determined that the most responsible course of action would be to demolish the building.
Demolition work will be carefully managed to minimise disruption, and the area will be fully secured throughout the process, the council said.
Once demolition is complete, the space will be open for temporary use, including opportunities for pop-up refreshment vans and similar small-scale activities, it added.
Councillor Mike Rollo, chair of Workington Town Council’s finance and general purposes committee said: “We have investigated several options for the site and looked at what the implications would be for the local taxpayer.
“The council is committed to protecting public money and giving back to the community.
“Other options would mean the council would need to secure a substantial amount of funding or an increase in the precept and did not feel this was an effective use of community money.
“We are excited for the future for this space and welcome any suggestions and ideas, but in the meantime the space will be available to hire for pop up vans, businesses or events to make use of the space, especially over the summer months when the park is a hive of activity.”
