Contractors at Maryport’s fire-ravaged Bakehouse have managed to reopen Senhouse Street ahead of schedule.
Workington-based Stobbarts Ltd was appointed by Cumberland Council to work on the mid-terrace building after its owners failed to comply with a court order to carry out repairs.
Cumberland Council had to step in to carry out the work and it will bill the owner for it.
Stobbarts Ltd moved back on to the site last week and worked long shifts over the weekend in a bid to complete work as soon as possible. It said it wanted to cause minimum disruption to the town’s main shopping street, which has also been closed for general improvements.
Today, Thursday March 21, they managed to partially reopen Senhouse Street to traffic for the first time.
A fire at the Bakehouse in February last year resulted in the mid-terrace building having to be made safe – which was also carried out by Stobbarts.
To keep the public and workforce safe as the Bakehouse is cleared out, the section of pavement in front of the building will remain closed for a few more weeks and temporary planters have been put in place to prevent parking.
Parking spaces on that section of the street will be temporarily suspended to ensure traffic can continue to flow freely while contractors’ cabins remain on site.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “I think this new gateway to Maryport looks fantastic and will get even better as we put in planters and signage over the coming weeks.
“We are already exploring options for what could happen next on the Bakehouse site to ensure this hole in the high street is filled. We will do our best to make it look as tidy and attractive as possible in the meantime.
“Thanks to Thomas Armstrong Group, who completed the roadworks, and to Stobbarts Ltd, who are responsible for clearing the Bakehouse, for liaising so closely to ensure minimal disruption for everyone involved. It is great to see two very local companies and their subcontractors working together in harmony like this.
“I am sorry for any inconvenience caused by this temporary road closure but, as we reach key stages in the £12 million regeneration of buildings and sites across Maryport, I know the upheaval will all be worth it.”
Until all the on-street parking is available, Mill Street Car Park is a good alternative.
Parking is free for two hours. Parking discs are available from Maryport Town Hall, Maryport Library, Maryport News, the temporary Maritime Museum at the junction of Curzon Street and Senhouse Street, Maryport Banking Hub and Heron Foods.
