A WHITEHAVEN harbour “eyesore” looks set to be demolished – and the land could become a car park.

The owners of Mark House and The Park nightclub say they will apply for permission to knock both buildings down in December, and hope the work can be carried out early in the new year. And as part of the application, the owners – the board of trustees of The Albion Ltd Pension Scheme – have to state what would become of the vacant Strand Street land, and say it could become a temporary car park until it is redeveloped.

Jonathan Lowe, on behalf of the owners, said: “We have been in constructive discussions with the mayor Mike Starkie’s office in Copeland and intend to submit proposals to demolish both buildings.

“These proposals will be submitted in December with the intention for demolition to be carried out in the early part of 2016.

“We are in discussions with various parties about the development or potential sale of the site and see the demolition as the first phase in that re-development of the site.”

Mark House, which has run into disrepair after standing empty since 2004, has been targeted in Copeland Council’s dilapidated buildings crackdown.

The site – including The Park which closed in 2005 – was awarded planning permission for a £10million apartment, office and retail complex in 2010 but the work was never carried out.

Mr Starkie said when the council targeted the site: "Our harbour is the centrepiece of Whitehaven and this building has been an eyesore in that location for too long."

Meanwhile, plans to convert land at The Ginns, Whitehaven, into a 78-space pay-and-display car park have moved a step closer.

Copeland Council's Executive committee agreed to carry out the scheme on Tuesday night, and a planning application will now be submitted.

Of the 78 spaces, four will be disabled bays and eight will be reserved for residents of Bentincks Row and Ellisons Place who have always been able to park there for free.

It will be free to park there between 8pm and 8am and at weekends.

The parking situation is currently said to be chaotic due to Albion Square workers parking there for free.