Plans for redevelopment of Master Mariner pub scrapped

The pub was scheduled to start serving at the end of August last year with an expansion aiming to make the venue 50 per cent bigger.

The project was put on hold while pub giant Wetherspoon reviewed "options for taking the project forward" due to the condition of the former Lacy's Bar building next door.

Work had started again recently, but was paused and due to start later this month.

This morning it was confirmed the work has stopped and will not continue.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle, in whose constituency the building is situated, said news that of the redevelopment ending was "incredibly frustrating" adding that Wetherspoons are leaving the Master Mariner "far worse off than they found it". 

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Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Globe:”Wetherspoon can confirm that it has stopped redevelopment work at The Master Mariner pub (New Brighton) and will not progress with the work.

"The building and the land is to be put up for sale.

"All staff will continue to work at other Wetherspoon pubs and there will be no redundancies as a result of the pub being sold.

"This is a commercial decision by Wetherspoon.

"The company remains committed to the Wirral and have a number of pubs in the region, including the recently opened pub in Heswall."

Work underway on renovation of The Master Mariner in New Brighton recently (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

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The pub opened in 2013 in buildings previously occupied by Rjs and the Playas Lounge nightclubs. At the time, Wetherspoon was criticised for not using the former Lacy's Bar site after buying it in 2015.

Wetherspoon’s shares reportedly halved as a result of lockdowns and despite subsequently doubling as pandemic fears receded, they have since fallen to around £5 as the company began making losses amid warnings about climbing costs. 

Wallasey MP Dame Angela Eagle told the Globe: "It is incredibly frustrating news that Wetherspoons has decided to end the redevelopment of The Master Mariner pub in New Brighton.

"The development and investment in our local community and the creation of local jobs through the renovated pub was a welcome prospect, so I am disappointed to hear that Wetherspoons has decided to end the redevelopment for good and put the site up for sale.

"As it currently stands, the site is in complete disarray and is an eyesore for the local community -  sadly, Wetherspoons are leaving the Master Mariner far worse off than they found it". 

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