Unsafe former city centre pub set to be demolished

The Tithebarn pub has been closed since 2016

A former pub in Preston city centre is unsafe and needs to be demolished, the council has said.

The Tithebarn, which closed in 2016, has been deemed to be "beyond viable repair" after a structural survey, the city council said.

The authority's task force, which monitors empty and derelict buildings in the city amid growing concerns around safety, said there had been "extensive deterioration" to the building.

The council is to apply for permission to demolish it while preserving the Grade II-listed mill building next door, formerly known as Aladdin's Cove warehouse. The proposal includes turning the site into an open public greenspace.

Trees and shrubs

The latest inspection revealed significant structural issues, including bowing elevations caused by increased pressure on the walls as the roof deteriorates, along with extensive deterioration to the internal floor areas, many of which are rotten, the council said.

A planning permission application is being made pending a formal decision on the future of the building at a cabinet meeting on the 18 June.

If approved, demolition works would be scheduled to begin in the summer and a subsequent public greenspace could feature trees, shrubs, grassed areas and seating.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources, said: "This is a difficult but necessary decision.

"The former Tithebarn building has sadly deteriorated beyond repair, but this gives us an opportunity to create a new, attractive green space that complements the Harris Quarter."