An online platform has been created to allow people to help shape the design of an inspirational new project in Millom.
The Iron Line is a scheme that will see the sea wall and coastal lagoon enhanced to provide a fully inclusive route across RSPB Hodbarrow.
The project – one of four that make up Millom Town Deal – will see walking and cycling routes at the location improved and fused with ecology, heritage and public art, as well as the addition of a visitor or welcome hub and parking facilities.
Now, members of the public are invited to visit The Iron Line engagement platform where there are a number of ways to share their views.
This could be around any of the following:
- How you currently feel about the area and how you use it now
- Activities you would like to do in the future in the area
- What the visitor or welcome hub should look and feel like, and what facilities it should offer
- Details of facilities, accessibility on site and other site features
As well as this online engagement a number of public events and workshops are also set to take place in the coming months. To find out more, people are urged to sign up to the mailing list on the platform to find dates, times and locations.
Robert Morris-Eyton, chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “We know the sea wall, beautiful wildlife and ecology and reflections of Millom’s industrial heritage combine to make RSPB Hodbarrow a very special place.
“We’re delighted that The Iron Line project has moved into the design process and that people are able to share their thoughts and views as the proposals are drawn together.
“I would encourage everyone to visit the new platform and take part, or attend one of the public events or workshops if they can to be part of this exciting project from its earliest stages.”
Millom and Haverigg were among 101 towns invited to bid for a share of the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund in 2019 – part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Working alongside Copeland Borough Council, the Millom Town Deal Board secured an offer of £20.6 million from the fund in July for projects it identified as local priorities.
Each aims to help maximise inclusive economic growth and better connectivity for the area while developing a welcoming arts, culture and tourism offer, thriving independent businesses and healthy, active people.
Layer Studio was last month announced as the design partner for The Iron Line following a global competition.
The team is now working to develop an initial design which will form part of a business case that will be submitted back to Government this summer as part of the process of unlocking the promised Town Deal funding.
