Final steps have been taken to unlock £22.5 million to transform Cleator Moor.
Business case summaries in support of the once-in-a-generation funding for the Town Deal have been submitted to the Government.
Working with Copeland Borough Council, the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board secured an offer of £22.5 million from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund initiative last July for four transformational projects.
The submission of the summary documents is the final step on the journey towards being able to access the promised cash to help the town and its communities thrive now and in the future.
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “Today we mark a significant milestone in the Town Deal process; one that has been achieved through the hard work, expertise and energy of so many people who are committed to bringing about positive and long-lasting change for the Cleator Moor Community.
He added: “We are incredibly excited about the potential of the four Town Deal projects and the many benefits they will bring to the people who live, work and visit our town.
“A process of this nature is complicated and there have, of course, been challenges along the way. But I am confident we have put forward four very robust business cases – one for each of the projects – which give us the best possible chance of securing this funding.”
With significant match funding in place, the Town Deal is set to bring an even larger investment into Cleator Moor through the Town Deal’s four projects. The projects are:
Enterprising Town – A redevelopment of the existing Leconfield Industrial Estate to provide employment and training opportunities for residents in Cleator Moor as well as helping to diversify the local economy. The proposal will create new buildings on site including an Enterprise Campus Hub, the refurbishment of existing units and extensive landscaping.
Revitalised Town – A proposal to increase activity and footfall around the Town Square by bringing vacant and under-utilised buildings back into active use while creating an attractive new public realm. Uses will include a new cultural community hub and enhanced business space.
Healthy Town – A proposal to enhance existing sports and leisure provision to create a modern multi-purpose centre including an indoor sports hall, flexible studio space, gym and café, alongside wider health and well-being provision. This will improve population health and generate more reasons for people to visit and spend time in Cleator Moor.
Connected Town – This scheme will deliver a high-quality integrated and sustainable transport network which improves connections between employment, education, amenities and leisure and transforms the accessibility and attractiveness of Cleator Moor.
The business cases were approved by members of the Cleator Moor Town Deal board, made up of individuals, organisations, businesses and groups operating within or representing the town, in July.
Copeland Borough Council’s Executive Committee has also given the bid its seal of approval.
It is hoped confirmation of the funding will be received from Government later this year.
Mike Starkie, the Mayor of Copeland, said: “Securing this money will be a game changer for Cleator Moor – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring about real and tangible change.
“I’m delighted we have reached this crucial stage and very much look forward to the government’s decision later this year.”
