The first project that forms part of the £22.5 million Cleator Moor Town Deal has been completed.
Part of the Revitalised Town scheme, the PEC Phase 3 building has undergone complete refurbishment, with a new internal layout to improve accessibility and how the space is used.
The PEC Phase 3 building is owned by Cumberland Council and let to Phoenix Enterprise Centre on a long-term lease. PEC is a not-for-profit community interest company and sub-let the building as office space.
Work was undertaken by Thomas Armstrong Construction on behalf of Cumberland Council. The architect was Day Cummins Ltd.
The work has included:
- New roof with better insulation
- New solar panels added to the roof
- New power and data infrastructure
- New timber double-glazed windows
- New lift to improve disabled access
- New fixtures, fittings, decoration throughout
- Improved fire-stopping measures
- External wall repointing and cleaning
The first new tenants will be moving in from January 2026. The first and second floors are already fully let.
Joanne Crowe, executive director at PEC, said: “Demand for quality office accommodation has been consistently high for some time.
“Even before the refurbishment of PEC 3 was completed 65 per cent of the space within the building had been let, with more viewings booked in for the coming weeks. Local businesses will start moving in during January. This will help boost the local economy.”
Work on the development of a new community hub is also ongoing as part of the Cleator Town Deal programme.
The community hub will be created by reconfiguring and linking two existing buildings in the Square – the library and the former Credit Union building.
A new café annexe will incorporate a commercial kitchen to the lower ground floor.
The hub will look to provide a range of new facilities such as exhibition and arts space and services for youth provision.
The library will be reconfigured with improved reading space and internet access.
There will also be a programme of work to enhance the appearance of the Square.
Additional information has been submitted to the existing planning application which seeks approval for the extension and alteration of the existing buildings to create a community hub including café.
The relocation of existing sculptures, public realm improvements, the restoration of the Memorial Fountain, new landscaped areas and accessibility improvements are also included in the plans.
Subject to planning approval, the works aim to start in early 2026 and be completed in summer 2027.
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund. Revitalised Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal. The project is being managed by Cumberland Council.
Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted to see that the renovation of the PEC3 building has been completed.
“The investment 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.”
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “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.”
