The demolition of Workington’s historic former Opera House building could begin in a matter of months if plans gain approval.

Planning documents submitted to Allerdale Borough Council outline a vision to clear the site which was most recently used as bingo hall until 2004.

Lancashire-based developers Trows Lane Developments Ltd submitted plans on February 3rd and stated in their demolition application that they would ideally like works to be completed by April 5th this year.

The plans follow many years of campaigning from various groups to see the venue, which dates back to 1888, saved and restored.

Developers, however, describe the building as having fallen into a state of disrepair.

Instead, it is clear that visions for a new development on the site are hoped to be in the offing.

“The building does not have a viable use and is in a poor state of repair, the developer states in the application.

They continued: “The site once demolished and cleared can be used for more appropriate and better uses within the Town Centre location.”

The demolition is expected to form part of a wider regeneration scheme.

Allerdale Borough Council have recently applied for help from the Government’s Towns Fund which could see the region receive up to £25 million to kickstart a range of regeneration projects in the area.

In the meantime, the Government have issued the Council accelerated funding of £750,000 to help kick-start smaller projects.

At the time of receiving the advanced funding, Cllr Mike Johnson, Deputy Leader of Allerdale Borough Council and the lead authority on Workington’s Towns Fund bid, said:

“[We] are keen to make Workington an even better place to live, work and visit and these schemes will support the ambitious plans which we hope to make a reality through the Government’s Towns Fund programme.”

Cllr for St Johns Workington, Paul Scott added: "Although it is sad to see it go, the venue was run-down and was becoming dangerous.
"Now we have the opportunity to build a fantastic new development for the here and now with outdoor seating."

A spokesperson for Allerdale Borough Council also stated:

"The availability of funding as part of the Towns Fund programme has provided an opportunity for the demolition of the building and the acquisition of the site by the Council.

"The building has been vacant and deteriorating for a number of years, is unsightly and is currently in a dangerous condition.

"The site will be cleared and fenced to ensure it is in a safe secure condition whilst the Council develops proposals for the future use of the site which in the short-term are likely to be of a temporary nature."

A final decision will be made in due course.