Demolition of Carlisle’s Lonsdale moves closer

By Chris Story

Last updated at 11:05, Saturday, 14 December 2013

Bulldozers could be poised to flatten Carlisles former Lonsdale Cinema with councillors recommended to approve it next week.

The Lonsdale

They are being told they should allow luxury apartments to be built in the derelict buildings place as part of the neighbouring Halston hotel, creating a complex which could accommodate 400 people.

Proposals will go before Carlisle City Councils development control panel on Friday.

Each, planning officials say, will make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.

A report starkly sets out the deteriorating state of the building and that demolition is the only financially viable option for its future.

Councillors will be told there are some who still think the 1930s art-deco structure should be saved because of its importance, arguing it could be used to stage large theatrical performances and film screenings.

But case officer Richard Maunsell states in his report: There is little worthy of preservation other than the memories and historical part that the building has played in the citys history.

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Demolition of Carlisle's Lonsdale moves closer