A PROMINENT town centre pub has been put up for sale for £425,000, it has been revealed.

The Roebuck Inn, Charles Lane, Haslingden, is expected to attract interest from both publicans and developers Christie and Co, who are managing the sale on behalf of owner Gaynor Qualter, said that the site had potential for development as either a care home or apartments.

If it continued to operate as a pub, the site could move into the food trade or start letting rooms, according to Christie and Co.

The pub is currently comprised of a main bar with capacity for 350 customers, an outside terrace to seat 20 with a newly constructed smoking shelter, four-bedroom owner’s accommodation and a large, separate, one-bedroom maisonette flat.

Ms Qualter, who was named businesswoman of the year in 1999, used to own 15 pubs across the north west.

She has recently moved into development and owns 47 properties and has decided to sell the Roebuck to ‘pursue other interests’.

Linda Boyle, of Christie and Co, said: “Due to the sheer size and prominent location of the Roebuck Inn, we anticipate interest from licensed operators and developers alike, as the property has potential for conversion to alternative use, such as a care home or residential flats, subject to the necessary planning consent.

“Anyone wishing to continue trading the business as a pub will find that there is potential to develop a food trade and also letting accommodation.”

The property was built as a public house in the mid-Victorian era when the surrounding residential terraces were developed.

Its asking price is £425,000 for the freehold interest.