A multimillion-pound masterplan to transform Maryport has been approved by the Government.

This 'ambitious' masterplan covers not just the town centre but the harbourside and promenade as well.

From a state-of-the-art harbourside events area and a cafe on the promenade to new indoor and outdoor playgrounds and a splashpark, there are various developments planned for the town.

These improvements are in addition to the existing investments and regeneration schemes taking place in the town, with more than £12million being spent in the town in total.

The new projects, slated to cost more than £5million, are to be financed by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It includes the creation of a new Maritime Museum in the Christ Church, the opening of the new Shipping Brow Gallery, and the launch of the Love Maryport Living project.

The former Carlton cinema will be reopened as an indoor event and workspace and a new boardwalk will be constructed to link the harbour and promenade.

The town is further being 'enlivened by an extensive cultural programme', according to the council.

Feedback from both locals and visitors was considered in the creation in the investment plans, due to be completed by summer 2024.

The focus was on enhancing the promenade and creating more attractions for younger crowds.

The outdoor events area is intended to complement the indoor venue that is being converted at the Carlton.

The Wave will also see renovations, with the addition of an indoor adventure soft play and multi-use rooms, upgrades to Clip n’ Climb, and changes to the public gym.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "To meet the terms of the Government funding, we had to show that the new investment plans will improve the experience for those living in and visiting Maryport, drive growth and ensure the town’s future viability.

"It is brilliant news that these new initiatives obviously meet all those criteria and have been received so positively.

"Maryport is already a real gem on Cumberland’s coastline.

"Now this is a town that is really on the up and I think these schemes will make a great place even better."

Responding to the news, Mark Jenkinson MP said: “I am absolutely delighted that these projects can go ahead following my conversations with both Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young, and his predecessor Dehenna Davison.

“Maryport has too often been overlooked, and I was determined the town would not miss out on this transformational funding. I have fought tooth and nail for this investment to stay in the town."

Mr Jenkinson claimed the funding had been 'put at risk' when Cumberland Council pulled the plug on the planned swimming pool for Maryport, and a project adjustment request (PAR) was made by the authority to reallocate the funding.

“Much as I would have preferred to see the original iteration of the scheme go forward, I made clear in my conversations with Government that I would hate to see the people of my constituency miss out on the benefits that this alternative scheme will bring, whilst recognising that the benefits would have been far greater if we had the swimming pool planned as part of the original submission.”