The historic frontage of Whitehaven’s former bus station should be retained if it is converted into an apartment block, it has been claimed.

Muir Lachlan, who worked in the construction industry for his whole career, says he is “absolutely opposed” to the demolition of the entire bus station building to make way for a 47-apartment block due to its architectural significance.

“There’s no doubt the site needs to be developed, but the beautiful facade merits being retained. It’s part of Whitehaven’s heritage and should have been listed as a protected building.”

Mr Lachlan, of Ennerdale Bridge, said the brickwork of the bus station, built in 1932, was highly regarded in the industry. One of only two covered bus stations in the country when it opened, it closed amid a public outcry in 2002.

“The curvature of the brickwork is particularly skilled, and bricklaying apprentices used to visit the bus station to study its workmanship. It’s a work of art and would be an enormous loss to the town if it goes.”


Muir Lachlan Mr Lachlan was speaking as the public were invited to view proposals for the derelict bus station development, and the building of a 144-room hotel on the former bus depot site opposite.

Both schemes are being developed by Carlisle-based firm North Associates , on behalf of landowners Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) and North says the public’s feedback will be incorporated into its final design plans, expected to be submitted to Copeland council for outline planning permission in the coming weeks.

North added that a 1940s machine-gun pill-box that sits behind the bus station, below Herbert Hill, will be retained as part of the scheme.

Mike Starkie, Copeland’s mayor, says that the council’s own conversation officer, and prominent national heritage societies, will be consulted over the plans.

He added: “I would encourage everyone to see the plans and make their views known early in the process, as what is proposed may not end up being the final design.”