THE SITE of a well-known former Carlisle pub is on the market for an initial asking price of £250,000.

The third-of-an-acre plot used to be the location of the Prince of Wales pub, on the corner of Denton Street and Northumberland Street.

The pub closed in 2004, and was demolished in 2010 after a devastating fire on Christmas Eve 2009 - the land has been vacant ever since.

It's due to be sold at a public online auction by Merseyside based auctioneers Pugh & Company Ltd, with bidding starting on January 19 and finishing the next day.

Previous planing permission to build homes and a commercial outlet on the site, by Harraby based Top Notch Contractors Ltd, had been granted permission in 2010.

According to the application form at the time: "Redevelopment of the site of 104 Denton Street and conversion of 102 denton street to create apartments and commercial unit, with secure parking to the rear of the development and provision of parking and servicing lay-bys to the Denton Street frontage.

"Works already started on the demolition of the former Prince of Wales Public House which follows a fire that occurred at this property on December 24, 2009.

"This work was undertaken under instruction of the attending fire officer."

According to the information on the Rightmove website: "The property benefits from planning consent for the redevelopment of the former Prince Of Wales public house and conversion of 102 Denton Street to create 16 apartments and one commercial unit together with associated parking.

"In addition, a separate consent exists for the redevelopment to create seven apartments with associated parking to the rear.

"We understand that the local authority has confirmed discharge of certain conditions meaning the planning consents are still live.

"The property is located with frontage to Denton Street, Northumberland Street and Morley Street, approximately half-a-mile from Carlisle city centre and Carlisle Station, in an established residential area.

It is understood that the pub was originally built in the 1850s and was acquired by the State Management Scheme on 22 August 1916.

It was sold in 1973 to brewer John Smith's.

For information: www.rightmove.co.uk/commercial-property-for-sale/property-75870975