THE demolition of Carlisle's once prestigious Central Plaza Hotel is complete.

For the first time today, City Council officials unveiled the huge and now empty space where the troubled 65-bedroom hotel until recently stood.

In recent years, the crumbling structure on Victoria Viaduct became a magnet for vandals and urban explorers.

The structure also became increasingly unstable.

The building became so unsafe that experts said demolition was the only sensible option.

That work is now complete - though workmen are currently working on securing the site.

"It was a very challenging demolition because the structure was so unstable," said David Philip, site manager for Ashcroft Demolition, the firm which did the work for Carlisle City Council.0

Council Leader John Mallinson praised the firm for completing the work safely and ahead of schedule.

He said thoughts are now turning to how the city centre plot can be developed.

"It's a good site in a good position," said Mr Mallinson.

"It represents a tremendous opportunity."

The hotel has been empty since its closure in 2004.

Built in 1880, the Central Plaza was among scores of pubs and hotels taken over in 1916 by the Government in a bid to curb drunken behaviour under the so-called State Management system.

The hotel was considered a jewel in the crown of the project, which continued until 1973.

In recent years, its dilapidation steadily increased, and its ownerless status made decisive action difficult.

* For a fuller report, see tomorrow's News & Star.