Allerdale Council hopes to learn by November whether its funding bid for a multi-million-pound regeneration of Maryport’s town centre has been successful.

Paul Taylor, who is managing the project to redevelop the town centre and various landmark buildings, told the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on Friday that that is when the authority hopes for a decision on its request for a cut of the Government’s £1billion Future High Streets Fund.

Mr Taylor added: “There is no guarantee we will get any funding of course but we are hopeful in that we know that the Government are keen to support regeneration within town centres. However, there is a lot of competition.”

More details were also revealed about how the money would be spent in a presentation to the committee.

The transformation of the Christ Church would see the Maritime Museum move into the building, with the current museum becoming an art gallery.

Mr Taylor said: “We’ve got a legal agreement now with the owners of the building and if we do get funded then we will purchase the building with the aim to convert it into a museum.”

The restoration of the former Carlton Cinema would see the building next door demolished to create an outdoors space.

A 100-seat events space would be created on the ground floor while the first and second floors would be used for art exhibitions and workshops.

Mr Taylor admitted the plan to create a semi-covered market square in Empire Yard was “more at risk” if the council did not receive the full amount of funding but said it had a “Plan B” where it felt it could develop a successful market with less cost.

The plans would also see a pool installed in The Wave Centre and improvements to pedestrian areas.