PLANS have been submitted for the demolition of a historic Workington building, to make way for an 'exciting' new project in the town.

Cumberland Council submitted a planning application on Tuesday for the demolition of the Henry Curwen public house and reinstatement works at Ramsay Brow to enable the widening of the A66/ A596 Ramsay Brow junction.

This step marks a major movement in the Workington Gateway project, however objections have been raised previously to the demolition plans for the historic building.

In the application, the council acknowledged the building had historical significance, however they said this had been greatly diminished due to works on the Henry Curwen in the 1940s.

A design and access statement said: "The remnant late 19th century workshops have some historical value, which is considered at a local level of significance.

"The overall heritage significance of the historic structure, however, has been diminished by poor maintenance and later alterations."

However, the demolition is needed to take on the Workington Gateway Project which they claim is 'exciting' for the town.

The improvement of the junction will 'reduce the impact of wagons, shorten journey times, and improve freight access to key industrial sites' in the north Workington area.

The project will also deliver pedestrian and cycling improvements in Hall Park, encouraging people to enjoy the park on their cycles and providing an alternative route to school or town.

The Henry Curwen Public House dates from the late 18th century/early 19th century and is constructed of stone with a later cement render.

A design and access statement said: "It appears to have been originally part of a row of terraced housing before being converted into a public house.

"Initially, the public house building formed the centre of the terrace, with the end of the terrace demolished around 1940. This resulted in the public house forming the end building in the row.

"The public house may have first gained the Curwen name in 1829."