PLANS have been announced for a campus development in Cleator Moor that will include a central hub building which houses research, education and community facilities.

The views of residents, local businesses and stakeholders are being sought on the Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter (CMIQ) on land which includes the Leconfield Industrial Estate and land to the north and east of it.

The proposals follow the Council’s purchase of the industrial estate in January.

The development proposals include up to 44,350sqm of new floorspace to accommodate light industrial, research and development and storage and distribution uses alongside new education provision and accommodation.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “This is a significant development for Cleator Moor, and signifies our ambition for the town, residents and business community.

“Leconfield Industrial Estate has been under used for many years, but now, under public ownership, the much-needed redevelopment can take place.”

The initial funding for part of the ambitious project will come from the government’s Towns Fund.

Working with the Council, the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board secured an offer of £22.5 million from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

One of the projects for is Enterprising Town which includes the Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter.

Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: "The submission of this outline planning proposal marks a very exciting step forward for the Cleator Moor Town Deal process.

"One of the five projects to have already secured an offer of funding from Government is Enterprising Town which will form the first tranche of development on this site to help strengthen and diversify the West Cumbria economy for many years to come.

"The project will also act as a catalyst for growth, unlocking further investment from strategic partners in the region as well as job opportunities for Cleator Moor residents."

The Council is preparing to submit an outline planning application for the CMIQ proposals and is inviting the public to view the plans for the scheme.

A public exhibition is being held at the former Cleator Moor Council Offices on Wednesday, November 24 (11am to 5pm) and on Thursday, November 25 (2pm to 6.30pm).

The exhibition material is also available to view at www.copeland.gov.uk/cmiq

The consultation will close on December 3. The project team will then review the comments received.

It is anticipated the planning application will be submitted to Copeland Borough Council in December, following feedback from the public exhibition.