Published at 13:35, Friday, 30 November 2012

Cockermouth’s historic grade-two listed Globe Hotel is on course to be reopened by February or March.

ON COURSE TO REOPEN: Cockermouth’s Globe Hotel, on Main Street

The landmark Main Street hotel has been closed since the floods of 2009.

Owners Peter and Helen Brown want to reopen around a dozen of the hotel’s rooms and bar area early next year.

Mr Brown said he was uncertain when the remainder of the hotel’s rooms would open as refurbishment was continuing.

It had been thought that the hotel, which was built in the 1700s, may be turned into a Wetherspoon pub after the chain started talks with the owners last year.

However, JD Wetherspoon later confirmed that it had dropped plans to develop the site.

In January the owners put the hotel on the market for £595,000 with Edwin Thompson.

Mr Brown, who has owned the hotel for around 20 years, said: “We hope to have the hotel reopen again by February or March next year. There’s still some refurbishment work to do even when it has reopened.

“We were led down the garden path by Wetherspoon, who reassured us that everything was going to go ahead and then pulled out at the last minute.”

Town councillor Eric Nicholson said: “It is an iconic building and to have it back up and running again would be a major move forward.

“It is a great facility, and was well used by many groups who met there before the floods. It is a very brave move from the owner who is trying to make a comeback.”

Darren Ward, architectural advisor for Cockermouth Civic Trust, said: “To see the Globe reopen as a hotel would be great. It has been part of Cockermouth history for nearly 200 years.”

Jonty Chippendale, chairman of the town’s chamber of trade, said: “It is an important part of the Main Street and while closed has been a reminder of what we all went through in 2009.

“It will be a real pleasure to enjoy a pint back in its familiar surroundings.”

Mr Brown has also submitted an application to Allerdale council for listed building consent for two roof lights and minor amendments to an approved scheme to turn part of the rear section of the hotel into 10 flats.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk