Improvements to a leisure facility for Cleator Moor have taken another step forward following the approval of a planning application and a contractor appointment.
Healthy Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal.
It aims to provide the community with a modern, multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the existing activity centre.
It will provide a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC), a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities.
Sam McCrae-Murphy, COSC manager, said: ‘We can’t explain how much this means to our members, staff and volunteers.
“The quality of service we are going to be able to offer is a dream come true.
“COSC has been in The Bunker for over 30 years, in that time we have expanded our service to reach more ages, disabilities and an outreach support programme.
“The members say to have windows, a garden, and a safe space to explore their abilities and make new friends is life changing.
“We all would like to thank the people who have been involved in making it happen.”
Cumberland Council has been working with contractor Thomas Armstrong under a design and build contract. Now, with planning secured, work will start in January and take around 13 months, it said.
To allow the work to get underway the main activity centre building will close to the public on January 13. The 3G pitch will still operate during the work.
It will be available to use from 5pm on weekdays between January 13 and January 31 and will be open as normal on weekends.
The work includes:
- Four-court sports hall
- Multi-purpose studio space
- New fitness suite
- Changing facilities
- A new base for Copeland Occupational & Social Centre
Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “This another important milestone for the activity centre. The plans will transform the existing facility to accommodate a wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community.
“The ambitious schemes for Cleator Moor are moving forward and will provide sustainable developments for the benefit of the whole town.”
Healthy Town aims to enhance leisure provision in the town to boost levels of health and wellbeing and encourage more people to visit, bringing increased footfall and revenue to local businesses.
It is proposed that the new centre would deliver a broader programme of sports, physical activity as well as providing a home to wider health and wellbeing services.
Tom Rice, Cumberland partnership manager for GLL, said: “This is a great investment for the people of Cleator Moor and surrounding areas, the new facility is going to provide more activities to more people and really benefit the health and wellbeing of the local population, we are excited to be a part of it.
“During the building work, our current members of Cleator Moor Activity Centre will be able to access our other facilities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre, and Whitehaven Sports Centre.”
The facility improvements are one of a programme of projects supported by the Government’s Town Deal.
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders.
