THIS is how a north Cumbrian pub could look once a year-long rebuild is complete.

The owners of the Golden Fleece Inn, at Ruleholme, near Brampton, have released an artist’s impression of what visitors can expect from their revamped venture.

The existing building, which sits just of the A689 east of Carlisle, is to be demolished with a traditional country pub with state-of-the-art features, restaurant, function room, 23 bedrooms and associated facilities rising from the rubble.

Its owners say they want to create an upmarket development to cater for a wide range of local, leisure, business and travel consumers.

They aim to appeal to visitors to both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites - Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District - as well as passengers using nearby Carlisle Lake District Airport, which is set to open for scheduled flights in July.

Clearance work is due to start on site later this month after the major re-development was given the go-ahead by Carlisle City Council. The first guests will be welcomed in 2020.

The new premises will create jobs with staffing levels set to increase to about 40 full-time and part-time roles. The number of guest rooms will expand by 14.

The rebuild is the brainchild of Robert and Sylvia Cowan, who have run the Golden Fleece since 2011, along with their new business partners David and Roweena Corkill.

Mr Cowan said: “We want to retain the warmth and welcome of the old place but upgrade facilities with a wow factor and something this area just doesn’t have.

“In our view, an excellent new facility can have wider benefits to the local economy and attract further tourism.

“We also look forward to welcoming back the many loyal patrons the old Fleece enjoyed looking after.

“We’re very excited about all the possibilities and cannot wait to get started on the build.”

The premises, designed by Carlisle-based architectural practice Ashwood Design Associates, will offer 2,180 sq m of floorspace, have a veranda to two sides, and accommodate parking for 81 vehicles.

As well as fine dining in the restaurant there will also be a more informal area for meals alongside the bar facilities. Other features will include an inglenook fireplace, microbrewery, terraced area, garden and landscaping.

Mr Corkill said: “We think this will be a major benefit for the area. Creating something, not quite phoenix from the ashes, but something much better than was there before.

“It’s taken a year to get this far. We originally thought we could expand to do more with it.

“But after looking at all possibilities the best option was to pull it down to create something completely new.”

James Bainbridge, city councillor for Stanwix Rural, which covers the area, welcomed the development.

He said: “I hope it is successful. With the airport coming there is obviously going to be a need for people to stay in the area around it and people always like to get a good meal.

“The layout of the actual building has always been a little bit difficult as I understand it. There comes a time when you have just got to do something big.

“I think it’s great. A couple of years ago we were worried the Sally at Irthington was going to go and it was going to leave so few pubs in the ward.

“It’s really great that the Sally, the Golden Fleece and the pub at Crosby have managed to find owners who are taking them forward.”

An auction of the inn’s fixtures and fittings in February attracted about 700 people including buyers from around the world.