Keeping derelict 1850s pub 'not practical'

The Queens Arms, opened in 1853, shut in 2008

Preserving a derelict 1850s pub is "simply not a practical option", developers have said.

Westwise Development Ltd has submitted proposals to Westmorland and Furness Council to demolish the former Queens Arms pub on Rawlinson Street in Barrow and build a three-storey, 21-unit apartment block.

Objectors said the building was "historical" and should not be pulled down.

But the developers said replacing the building was "the only way to put the site back into beneficial use".

The Queens Arms opened in 1853 and was a popular live music venue before closing in 2008.

Developers said it was initially hoper the pub could be converted into a residential building, but it was found the scheme was not "economically viable".

"Unfortunately, preserving the existing building is simply not a practical option," they said.

"Much as the applicant would have liked to preserve the existing building, the reality is that the only way to put the site back into beneficial use is to demolish the existing building and replace it with a high-quality modern building."

Planning documents also stated there had been "ongoing problems with vandalism and theft of building materials" and the building's condition had deteriorated "beyond economic repair".

'Brilliant architecture'

The proposed apartment block would consist of 18 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Objectors said the building was part of Barrow’s heritage.

One of those against the plans said: "The brilliant red architecture is from a time when Barrow was the powerhouse of the world.

"There are very few of these buildings left in Barrow and this one should be allowed to stand for the heritage of our town."

Plans for the apartment block were previously withdrawn in October 2023 after councillors were told it was a "generally uninspiring and bland design".

The developer said the new application included changes to the exterior of the building and was of "higher quality" than the previous scheme.

The plans are currently the subject of a public consultation.