17-05-2025
Demolition under way at derelict former pub
WORKS are under way to bulldoze a former pub in Whitehaven town centre to make way for 'future regeneration'.
Cumberland Council gave the green light to demolish the former John Paul Jones pub on Strand Street after an application was submitted by social impact property developers BEC in December last year.
Works have begun to pull down the pub, named after the famed naval commander who launched a surprise attack on the town in 1778. It had stood empty since June 2018.
The building was stripped out last year and works were carried out to prepare the site for demolition.
A heritage statement submitted with the application said the John Paul Jones building was 'derelict' and in 'poor condition'.
It said further deterioration may cause structural defects which could make the building unsafe and potentially impact on the adjoining grade-two listed bath house.
In the application, BEC said it wanted to temporarily use the site as a contractor's compound while works are carried out to the former Whittles furniture store building, which is being transformed into a digital and gaming hub.
The John Paul Jones pub held fond memories for many pubgoers in Whitehaven over the years (Image: Newsquest)
BEC acquired the building from owners, Riverside Community Pubs in July 2019 as part of land assembly work that included the adjacent Mark House and Park Night Club sites which BEC acquired in 2017.
BEC says the demolition marks a new chapter for the area and is paving the way for regeneration and further development.
Speaking last month, the company's chief executive Michael Pemberton said: 'At BEC, our focus is on creating positive social impact by breathing new life into West Cumbria. While we strive to preserve heritage wherever possible, we also recognise that buildings left to fall into disrepair – like the John Paul Jones pub – can become both a blight on the community and a safety concern.
'This demolition marks an important step in unlocking the site's potential and ensuring Whitehaven continues to thrive through considered and sustainable regeneration.'
