A multi-million-pound masterplan for Maryport has been approved by the Government.
The scheme, which aims to transform the town centre, harbourside and the Promenade, includes a harbourside events area, Promenade café and bike hub, splashpark, and indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds.
All these new developments are in addition to several schemes already taking place in Maryport, with more than £12 million being spent in the town in total.
The newest developments will be funded by more than £5 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
They include the creation of a new Maritime Museum in the historic Christ Church building, the opening of the new Shipping Brow Gallery, the shopfront scheme which is improving the high street, and the Love Maryport Living residential conversion project which is restoring accommodation above businesses in the town centre.
The former Carlton Cinema will also reopen as an indoor event and workspace.
The new investment plans are due to be completed by next summer.
A public consultation prioritised improvements to the Promenade and more attractions and activities for younger people, as well as the creation of this flexible outdoor events area which will complement the indoor venue being created at the Carlton.
There will also be improvements at the Wave Centre, with the creation of a new indoor adventure soft play, new multi-use rooms, upgrades to Clip n’ Climb, and changes to the public gym.
Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer, said: “To meet the terms of the Government funding, we had to show that the new investment plans will improve the experience for those living in and visiting Maryport, drive growth and ensure the town’s future viability. It is brilliant news that these new initiatives obviously meet all those criteria and have been received so positively.
“Maryport is already a real gem on Cumberland’s coastline. Now this is a town that is really on the up and I think these schemes will make a great place even better.”
