The Sea Cadets building on Whitehaven's harbour has finally been flattened – leaving the unit officially homeless.

The building on Old New Quay was severely damaged when Storm Xavier attacked with massive waves and 100mph winds in December 2013.

The following year the listed building was yet again struck by treacherous weather, this time leaving it beyond economic repair.

Since then, the Sea Cadets have been meeting at different locations across town and are currently in the old Martinique building next to Dixons car park.

David Pater, a Whitehaven coastguard, has fond memories of serving as a Whitehaven sea cadet when he was a teenager.

He said: "It's sad to see it go because I know quite a few people who have been involved in it, and are still involved in it.

"I was there for about four or five years. There was all sorts for us to do. I have lots of good memories."

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners – on behalf of the Sea Cadets – applied for the removal of the building as part of a £320,000 Old New Quay regeneration, which should be complete by the end of the year.

The demolition of the building will open up the area for the first time since the Second World War.

The regeneration includes the installation of contemporary seating.

The project has been funded by the Coastal Community Fund (£272,000) and Copeland Community Fund (£50,000).

Meanwhile, bulldozers have moved in to rip down Mark House and parts of the old Park nightclub.

Britain’s Energy Coast is working in partnership with Copeland Council and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners on the North Shore redevelopment project, which includes offices, apartments, a hotel, a supporting multi-story car park and a leisure and retail opportunity.

Mark House, a former revenue and benefits office, closed in 2004, and The Park had its last night on New Year’s Eve 2005.