Demolish begins of Sportsman Arms pub in Penketh to build flats

Demolition crews have moved onto the site of the closed The Sportsman's Arms pub in Penketh this week.

The Warrington Road building closed as a public house back in 2017, despite a lengthy campaign by residents to halt its closure.

Records of the pub date back to 1846 and it is a familiar sight to many, with some residents describing it as a landmark.

The building has remained empty since, with its condition deteriorating.

Demolition work is underway at The Sportsman's Arms pub

Now though, work is well underway to level the site ahead of it being repurposed.

Previously, various planning applications, for the likes of a new supermarket and houses, have been submitted to transform the disused site, but none ever went forward.

However, plans submitted last year for the site by developers Churchill Retirement Living have been approved.

They include the demolition of The Sportsman's Arms to make way for 56 apartments, as well as a lodge manager's office, and a reception area, communal facilities and guest suites.

It is expected that the development will also include parking areas and landscaping efforts.

Demolition work is underway at The Sportsman's Arms pub

Developers say that the scheme will contribute £435,000 a year to the local economy and support around seven new jobs.

The initial plans were met with objections but planning inspectors dismissed these due to the ‘considerable benefits’ the scheme will bring to the town.

Adam Mooij, managing director of Churchill’s northern region, which is based in Warrington, said: “We look forward to starting work on this new development in Penketh.

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"Retirement housing is shown to be the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs and increasing high street spend.

“The new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Penketh and the surrounding area.”