Exciting plans to radically transform Maryport’s town centre have been revealed.

The town has been shortlisted in a Government list to receive a slice of £1billion funding to boost the high street.

Work has been going on behind the scenes to create an ambitious bid, and those working on the project have now given a glimpse into their proposal.

It includes bringing a swimming pool back to the town, turning the derelict Christ Church into an art gallery and even building a harbourside hotel. There are plans to create a community space in the Carlton Cinema building and possibly moving the library there. A public square could also be formed at Senhouse Street, near the former Empire Theatre.

Councillor Angela Kendall expressed excitement at the ambitious plans which she believes will give the town a lift.

“This one looks promising but time will tell.

“You have got to talk your town up or you haven’t got anything. The town wants to start feeling good about itself.”

She added: “Like anything there is cautious optimism, it will take a lot of work.”

The final proposals will be submitted to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund next month.

This week Allerdale Council’s regeneration bosses presented the town council with a first glimpse of what could happen in Maryport if a bid for a share of a £1bn government funding pot is successful.

Paul Taylor and Graeme Wilson, from Allerdale Council, have been working on a final application as to what the cash would be spent on.

Mr Wilson said although there are hurdles to jump, including negotiations with the owners of some buildings which are key to the development, there are some huge opportunities to boost the town.

The application is being drawn up by leading architect and planning company, Buttress.

Building a swimming pool at the Wave Centre is one of the most ambitious projects in the town’s bid.

Since the town’s pool closed at Netherhall School nearly 18 months ago, residents have been campaigning for a replacement.

The bid to the Government includes proposals to bring a pool back to Maryport, by extending the Wave Centre to house it.

Allerdale regeneration officer Paul Taylor said the project would cost millions and, while it forms part of the town’s bid, he is unsure if it will be accepted.

A group of trustees who have been fighting to bring back a pool in the town, are not giving up hope and will continue to battle if the bid is unsuccessful.

Trustee chairman Annalee Holliday said: “The trustees are working with the regeneration team to see if we can develop a water facility in partnership.”

Also included in the bid, are proposals for a square at Senhouse Street by what was the former Empire Theatre.

Regeneration officer Graeme Wilson said: “The square is just one idea. We would like to make the whole street more pedestrian friendly while still making it easy to access the town centre.”

Landmark Christ Church could find new life as a museum or art gallery.

Discussions have already begun with the owner of the church which has been lying empty since it closed seven years ago.

During consultations carried out in the town centre, the church has been seen as a priority for transformation. Last year the owner applied for planning permission to turn the building into a wedding venue and nightclub but it was turned down by Allerdale planners who felt it was an inappropriate use for the building.

As well as the Future High Streets Fund bid, Allerdale’s regeneration team has also applied for Heritage Action Zone funding.

They will find out next month if they will receive more than £1million which will also be used to upgrade some of the town centre buildings such as the former Midland Bank and the building adjacent on Crosby Street.

An investor has also expressed interest in building a hotel on Maryport harbour.

Regeneration officers said they are in discussion with an investor however, they are remaining tight-lipped on nay further details.

Allerdale officers say they have also moved away from the idea of shipping containers which would be used as shops on the harbourside in favour of something more attractive.

They said the result would be the same, opening up opportunities for people to sell crafts, refreshments and other seaside goods.

The former Carlton Cinema has also been targeted in plans, turning it into a community space. The town’s library could also be moved into the cinema.

“That is quite sensitive but we would look at it,” Mr Wilson said.

Some of the other proposals would be to have workshop spaces or studios or a centre for events.