People have been invited to have their say on one of the region’s most significant development opportunities at an event for Pioneer Park this month.
Taking place on Tuesday July 14 between 3pm and 7pm at The Peddler in Whitehaven, the drop-in event will give residents, businesses and community organisations the opportunity to meet the Pioneer Park project team, learn more about the emerging plans and help shape the site’s future vision.
On land next to Sellafield at Moorside, Pioneer Park is a transformative clean energy and technology development being led by social impact property developers BEC alongside partners including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, Cumberland Council and local MPs, with support from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The ambition is to attract more than £12 billion in private investment to West Cumbria, create skilled jobs, support new industries, and help to secure the area’s long-term economic future.
The engagement event forms part of the early masterplanning process currently underway.
People will have the opportunity to explore the emerging vision for Pioneer Park, understand the types of industries the development could attract and share their views on the jobs, skills, infrastructure and community benefits they believe should be prioritised.
Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven and Workington MP, said: “Pioneer Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure West Cumbria’s place at the forefront of Britain’s clean energy future.
“Our area has powered the country for generations, and this project can help make sure that the next generation of skilled jobs, investment and innovation are built here too. But for Pioneer Park to succeed, it has to be shaped with local people, not done to them.
“I want residents, businesses and community groups to come along, have their say, and help make sure this project delivers the jobs, skills, infrastructure and community benefits that West Cumbria deserves.”
The feedback gathered during the engagement programme will help inform the emerging masterplan before it is developed further.
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “From day one, we’ve been clear that Pioneer Park must be shaped with the people and communities it is being created to benefit.
“It’s important that local people have the chance to influence their future. We want to hear what matters most, whether that’s jobs, skills, opportunities for local businesses or wider community benefits.”
Alongside supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions, Pioneer Park aims to build on West Cumbria’s internationally recognised strengths in energy, engineering and innovation, creating opportunities across advanced nuclear technologies, clean energy, robotics, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and research.
Those unable to attend the Whitehaven event will also have an opportunity to meet the project team at the Gosforth Agricultural Show on Saturday, August 15.
