Work has started to transform Cleator Moor’s Phoenix Enterprise Centre building.
The refurbishment of the building started today, Wednesday January 29, and is being undertaken as part of the £1.3 million Cleator Moor Town Deal Revitalised Town project.
It is hoped the revamp will increase the supply of high-quality, affordable office space in the centre of Cleator Moor.
Works will also include:
- Repairs to the external envelope of building including roof, new insulation and new timber double-glazed windows being installed.
- New heating, lighting and data systems that will improve energy efficiency.
- New lifts being installed to improve disability access.
- Remodelling of internal space to improve layout.
The work is expected to take between 10 and 12 months to complete. Planning consent for the works was granted in November 2024.
The building, situated just off the town square, is owned by Cumberland Council and operated by Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) under a long-term lease.
Cumberland Council appointed Day Cummins Ltd from Cockermouth as principal designer and Thomas Armstrong Ltd from Flimby has been appointed as rincipal ontractor.
Leader of Cumberland Council, councillor Mark Fryer said: “This will be an important step forward for the Cleator Moor Town Deal projects.
“It is great to see progress being made. Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects and momentum continues to build across this transformational programme.”
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Board said: “The commencement of refurbishment work on the Phoenix Court Phase 3 building marks the start of the Revitalised Town element of the Town Deal.
“The investment of over £1.3 million will bring back into use a commercial property on the Square and provide space for latent demand in the town for quality office space, this is welcome news and will support wider regeneration projects across the Town under the Town Deal banner.”
Joanne Crowe, executive director at Phoenix Enterprise Centre added: “PEC currently provides managed workspace and office accommodation to 34 businesses. Employing circa 250 people directly within the town and thousands more outreach workers.
“PEC is a Community Interest Company and all surpluses from rental income is used to support the delivery of Advice and Guidance services and the Food Pantry to vulnerable people in our community.”
David Atkinson, managing director Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd said: “Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd is thrilled to have been appointed as Principal Contractor on the exciting modernisation of the PEC Building in Cleator Moor, which continues our long-standing relationship with Cumberland Council.
“The development will bring substantial benefits to the local community, which when combined with the other projects that have commenced in the town, will breathe fresh life into the whole community.
“The project will not only rejuvenate the centre of Cleator Moor but will provide fantastic opportunities for local people and will contribute positively to the local economy.”
Also part of the Revitalised Town programme is Cleator Moor Community Hub and Town Square public realm works.
The aim is 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.
The Cleator Moor Community Hub will incorporate the library and old council offices. The two existing buildings will be joined by a new annexe that will house a café.
Public realm works will see improvements to the Town Square. Day Cummins Ltd. have been appointed as Principal Designer for the project.
Cleator Moor Town Deal has secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders.
