CONCERNS have been raised that Maryport’s ambitious regeneration projects may not be possible with the existing funds due to soaring costs.

The Government has awarded £11.5 million from the Future High Streets Fund to Maryport.

Funds are intended to finance a major regeneration scheme including a refurb of the Carlton Cinema into a cultural hub; creation of swimming facilities at the Wave Centre and relocation of Maryport Maritime Museum into the former Christ Church building.

However, fears are held that the projects may not be achievable due to the rising cost of materials and fuel and councillors have heard there will be no increase to meet the rising cost of the work.

It comes after Allerdale Council’s development panel has granted planning permission for works at the Carlton and the Christ Church building.

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Mayor of Maryport Peter Kendall said: “The three big projects in Maryport, they were costed, costs submitted and they’ve turned around and said there is no increase to take into account costs of materials.”

Councillor Kendall fears that without the additional financial support “we aren’t going to end up with a pool as big as we thought we would.”

“I know the building costs have actually gone through the roof, it isn’t just the cost of fuel which really is a shame.”

Cllr Kendall, who is also a member of Allerdale Borough Council, will raise the issue at the authority’s next meeting.

“I’ve asked for the shortfall that would need to be filled.”

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Cllr Kendall also intends to ask the council “if there is another mechanism to fund the shortfall to bring back what we wanted to do when we dealt with Government.

“We need to get swimming back into Maryport. We need to have a facility where our children and schools can go to learn to swim.”

Although it was given the go-ahead, concerns were raised at planning on Monday that the redevelopment of the Carlton could use-up the funds allocated for Maryport.

However, councillors were told by the agent that “significant funds” are available.

“We’ve gone through a series of value engineering already as part of this scheme to pull together the proposal that you see in front of you. That has been done by a QS (quantity surveyor) that’s been reviewed by Allerdale.”

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