Plans to transform a former Millom bank into an arts and enterprise centre has been given the go-ahead.
It will see work get underway at the St George’s Road building to create facilities including a cafe, maker’s market, small retail spaces, workshops and studios.
It is part of Millom Town Deal’s Reactivating Heritage Buildings project.
The Millom Town Deal which was awarded £20.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to help the town and its communities to thrive in the future. An additional £8.7 million was secured in match funding.
David Savage, chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “This is great news for Millom and a big step forward for this scheme. This once in a lifetime investment includes projects which will provide huge benefits for the communities of Millom and Haverigg.
“The arts and enterprise centre is an integral part of the transformation of a forgotten town into something quite extraordinary.
“This news further demonstrates the Town Deal is now starting to turn plans into a positive change for our community.”
The work will include the demolition of some extensions of the property which are not in keeping with its architectural style. Its ground floor will become home to a cafe, maker’s market and small retail spaces showcasing the products of those operating from four start-up business spaces on the first floor and three workshops, studios and shared studio space on the second floor.
Work is now underway to appoint an architect for the scheme.
The Millom Town Deal also includes three further projects – The Iron Line, Connected Millom and Haverigg and Activating Community Health.
Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects.
The latest plans for a scheme to improve ways to move around Millom and Haverigg sustainably were shared with the community on Wednesday March 6 at a drop-in public engagement event at Millom Guide Hall.
An opportunity to take on the management of a new activity and leisure facility in Millom and Haverigg recently ended.
