"We need the visitor economy - that's why Wetherspoon's decision was such a kick in the teeth," explains Dan Davies.
It's a Thursday afternoon and the founder of Rockpoint Leisure is sitting at a raised table inside Rockpoint Records - one of a number of businesses bringing new life to old buildings in New Brighton. Dan, 49, sips from a coffee and explains to the ECHO it's five years to the day since he first opened a bank account in the name of Rockpoint Leisure and deposited £1m to regenerate the north Wirral seaside town.
But concerns have been raised in the local community for the town's future following last week's news that JD Wetherspoon has abandoned its £3m development plans along the promenade. Just days after the pub chain confirmed to the ECHO that work was set to continue on the revamp, a spokesperson announced it would be pulling the plug on the Master Mariner project.
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"I've got two issues with what Wetherspoon has done," explains Dan. "They acquired the neighbouring Lacy's site in 2015 and just sat on and did nothing. They left it so long and then the work went on and on, and they've ended up knocking it down and walking away from it.
"We never wanted them to knock the building down because the building has history. Like a lot of things it's more expensive to refurbish but I think it's better because you keep its character and a uniqueness.
"Now there's just a building site there - if you're driving down the promenade it's the first thing you see. It's not a good advert for New Brighton."
While New Brighton has been regenerated around Victoria Road driven by innovative and fiercely independent businesses, Marine Promenade has been reduced to a tired façade of empty buildings. Only Italian restaurant Portofino remains open for business on the block following Wetherspoon's decision to pull out the site and the previous closure of The Queen's Royal pub and restaurant.
The Wetherspoon development stands quiet when the ECHO visits the site. A van is parked behind the wooden panelled walls indicating potential signs of life, but no sounds of work can be heard. Abandoned work tools, materials and piles of rubble litter the ground.
On nearby Victoria Road, husband and wife Ian and Karen Forber run the local greengrocer. Stands of plants line the road while boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables surround the counter where the pair are sat. "It's a big disappointment for the area," says Ian, who has been in his shop for 45 years.
"We were looking forward to seeing that finished and becoming a major attraction for New Brighton. We don't want to see any bad or negative feedback for the area but it's the first thing you see if you drive into New Brighton.
"They've left it looking like a building site and it needs to be sold quickly. The whole stretch needs to be upgraded. If some money can be pushed into that area, maybe some developers will move there."
Speaking in regard to the appearance of the promenade, Dan calls the decision to leave the site looking how it does "callous disregard" for the area. "The disappointment isn't not having a Wetherspoon - it's more how they've left it.
"It wouldn't be left looking like an eyesore like that if it was by Tim Martin's [founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon plc] house. It's up here and out the way and that's what p***** me off."
In January this year, Wetherspoon announced it was selling 35 pubs around the UK due to rising food and energy costs and lack of staff. Speaking in regard to the New Brighton development, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "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.”
Wallasey MP Angela Eagle described the decision as "incredibly frustrating news". Ms Eagle, who has been MP for the area since 1992, added: "As it currently stands, the site is in complete disarray and is an eyesore for the local community - sadly Wetherspoon are leaving the Master Mariner far worse off than they found it."
The promenade has been identified by Wirral Council as a key area in its masterplan for New Brighton over the next decade and a half. The council branded the pub behemoth's plan to put the site up for sale as "disappointing".
But a council spokesperson added: "However the council is keen to work with new owners to bring this important site forward for development that will enhance the offer of New Brighton and add to its fantastic waterfront as part of the ongoing masterplan work."
Sean Martin is the owner of Liberty Antiques and the chairman of New Brighton Coastal Community Team. He told the ECHO: "We are very, very unhappy. It's at the start of our leisure strip and it's looking terrible just as tourists are starting to come to the area.
"Everyone in the area is shocked at what they've done to the place. We're trying our best to improve the area. Dan has put his heart and soul into New Brighton while they haven't shown any care for the community."
Despite the mess, Dan hopes the abandonment of the development can be turned into a positive. "I'm forever the optimist, so I think there is an opportunity to develop the promenade. If it was me, I would do something like Miami beach - lots of art deco with retail and hospitality and some hotels as well."
Whatever comes next for the site, residents in New Brighton hope it happens quickly. "Wetherspoon hasn't shown New Brighton a duty of care," says Sean, 62.
"It needs to be done quickly, but who knows? By the time they have it on the market and offers come in, it could be a year or two down the line. New Brighton has been left high and dry."
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