[E]xecutive Members of Allerdale Borough Council today [Wednesday 16 May] agreed to the delivery of the Maryport Regeneration Scheme, which aims to improve the town’s most popular areas to increase tourism, employment opportunities and give a boost to the local economy.
Developed by Arup and commissioned by Allerdale Borough Council and BEC, the plan includes a number of key projects, such as creating a calendar of events to encourage visitors to the town, and improvements to the promenade and harbour. Other projects include making enhancements to the town centre, including the areas around Curzon Street and Senhouse Street bringing vacant units back into use and creating a more pedestrian friendly entrance to the town and linking the centre to the train station.
The need for a regeneration scheme was identified in the Council’s Business Growth Plan, which highlighted Maryport as key priority. The plan also supports a range of further projects in the area that will focus on education, housing renewal, local attractions, signage, and town centre parking. There are also plans to work with partners to promote the town’s historic and heritage assets. Part of the project is to commit to the potential for a tidal lagoon off the coast.
The Council will contribute funding to the project, as well as applying for grants from external sources, such as the Coastal Communities Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England. It is also hoped the improvements will encourage businesses in the town centre to invest in their own properties.
There is a phased timetable for the projects with many able to begin immediately, whilst others require significant capital investment and preparatory work to get under way. However it is hoped all of the improvements will be in place within the next decade.
Mark Fryer, Executive Member with responsibility for economic growth, said: “Maryport has fantastic potential, and this plan seeks to improve on the many great things that are already happening in the town. Over the past few months we have been consulting with the local people, working together to make sure the community will see the benefits and attract more people to the area. We are very proud of the town and I look forward to seeing the plan come together.”
Carni McCarron-Holmes, Executive Member and Ward Councillor for Maryport, added: “As one of the town’s elected representatives, I am so delighted with the plans to develop some of Maryport’s best assets. I firmly believe the project will maximise the town’s potential, encouraging investment and bringing visitors to the area who will return time and time again. These are truly exciting times for Maryport and its community.”
