Council to clear fire station site for development

Cumbria County Council has registered an application to demolish the former Workington fire station and neighbouring buildings as part of a plan to develop extra care housing in future.

The council owns the fire station, which was superceded by a replacement facility at Moorclose Road in 2013, and former care home Cavendish House, which has been empty since 2016. It wants to demolish both, along with One Francis Court, as it believes they are in danger of falling into further disrepair – both buildings are targets for vandalism, a report by Dominic Donnini, executive director for economy and infrastructure, stated.

Once the buildings have been demolished the site will be made secure and advertised for a potential developer, who will then take over the leasehold of the land. The council holds a 1,000-year leasehold on the site.

The former fire station is currently rented out to Workington Transport Heritage Trust for the storage of vintage buses. The trust has occupied the premises since 2014 on a short term lease, and has found alternative premises on Lillyhall Industrial Estate.

Although the site lies within the Portland Square Conservation Area, Donnini reports that no great contribution is made to the area’s character by the buildings.

The scheme is recommended for approval.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below