Wirral's independent local news website
Wetherspoon has scrapped its ongoing redevelopment of the Master Mariner pub in New Brighton.
The pub chain had planned to open the expanded bar at the end of August last year.
However, the project was delayed while Wetherspoon considered its options for proceeding, due to concerns about the condition of the neighbouring Lacy’s Bar building.
Recently, work had been temporarily halted and was set to resume later this month. However, Wetherspoon has now confirmed that work on the site will not continue.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said, ”Wetherspoon can confirm that it has stopped redevelopment work at The Master Mariner pub (New Brighton) and will not progress with the work.
“The building and the land is to be put up for sale. All staff will continue to work at other Wetherspoon pubs and there will be no redundancies as a result of the pub being sold.
“This is a commercial decision by Wetherspoon.”
Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, told birkenhead.news, “It is incredibly frustrating news that Wetherspoons has decided to end the redevelopment of The Master Mariner pub in New Brighton.
“The development and investment in our local community and the creation of local jobs through the renovated pub was a welcome prospect, so I am disappointed to hear that Wetherspoons has decided to end the redevelopment for good and put the site up for sale.
“As it currently stands, the site is in complete disarray and is an eyesore for the local community – sadly, Wetherspoons are leaving the Master Mariner far worse off than they found it.”
The former nightclub and bar is part of a short row of seafront properties created by James Atherton in the 1830s. By the 20th century, the lodging houses had been converted into cafés and licensed premises and eventually nightclubs.
Image: Wetherspoon
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