A FORMER Whitehaven care home has been bulldozed to the ground but the future use of the site is still uncertain.

The former Brackenthwaite Care Home on Senhouse Street in Whitehaven had stood empty for a number of years before a planning application to demolish the building was approved last year.

The site was boarded up by Cumberland Council in April and the building has now been completely demolished.  

Brackenthwaite Care Home closed in 2019 when the now defunct Cumbria County Council opened The Gables - a multimillion pound facility which replaced four care homes.

Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Bransty on Cumberland Council, said he would now like to see the site be used for something ‘community led rather than yet another car park’.

Whitehaven News: Brackenthwaite Care Home stood empty for a number of years before being demolished Brackenthwaite Care Home stood empty for a number of years before being demolished (Image: Newsquest)

Chris Hayes, mayor of Whitehaven, said he would like to see a new care home built on the site.

He said: “My mam, at the age of 94, had to go to a care home in Workington. They are all full up so let’s build a new one.”

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, said: “I would like to see extra care housing built there.

“The council wouldn’t have money to do it but it’s a partnership between usually a housing association, private developers and the council.

“The old building wasn’t fit for purpose. The Government lays down legislation about what is and what isn’t acceptable.”

Brian O’Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North on the town council, said: “It should have been used for student accommodation to help the medical school and its student intake.

“That’s changed as they have taken over Summergrove Halls but if they had done that, they would have brought students into the middle of town.

“Other than that, I don’t really know.”

A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: "The demolition of Brackenthwaite care home in Whitehaven has almost been completed. The site just needs to be wildflower seeded in the spring.  The site hoarding has been retained for security reasons. 

"The site will now form part of a wider review of Cumberland Council’s property assets in the area."