A HOTEL previously used to house asylum seekers has failed to sell at auction.

The Waverley Hotel in Whitehaven went under the hammer on Thursday with a guide price of £280,000 but did not meet its reserve price.

It closed as accommodation for asylum seekers earlier this year following a pledge by the former Conservative government to close migrant hotels.

The Tangier Street building had been housing asylum seekers since September 2022 following a deal between the hotel owners and Serco, which provides accommodation for immigrants while their asylum is processed.

The previous government announced plans to start exiting asylum hotels last year as part of wider efforts to tackle illegal migration.  

Asylum seekers who were being housed in The Waverley Hotel were dispersed to areas around Lancashire and Cumbria.

SDL Property Auctions said the 21-bedroom former hotel with restaurant and bar is still available and open to offers.

The Nottingham-based auction company said the ‘once thriving business offers masses of potential to become a real hub of the local community as a hotel again or could have a number of uses subject to necessary planning permissions’.

Paul McGlennon, who owns Sportszone, which is next door to The Waverley, said he would like to see the building used as a hotel again.

He said: “I would love it to be another hotel. I follow Whitehaven Rugby League and every week there are fans who come up from various clubs and are having to stay in Workington.

“We haven’t got enough hotels in Whitehaven.”

Chris Hayes, deputy mayor of Whitehaven, added: “I was shocked it didn’t sell. What a waste of a lovely building. I would like to see it open as a hotel again. It was a brilliant building. That street needs a hotel back open.”

For more information contact SDL Property Auctions on 08000 465454.