A MAJOR regeneration programme is underway in a west Cumbrian town backed by nearly £41million in funding, as a brand new community sports centre prepares to open its door.
Cleator Moor Town Deal is hailed as bringing "unprecedented investment" into the town and its infrastructure, heralding "real and tangible change; change that will make a positive difference to the lives of its residents for many years to come."
Plans for the regeneration scheme have been split into four projects:
- Enterprising Town
- Revitalised Town
- Healthy Town
- Connected Town.
Cleator Moor Activity Centre is now complete, a milestone in the completion of the Healthy Town project.
It includes an indoor sports hall, gym and spinning room.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "The completion of the Cleator Moor Activity Centre demonstrates the real difference that Town Deal investment is making in the town.
"As the first of the Town Deal projects to be delivered, it marks an exciting step forward in the wider programme of regeneration.
"The new activity centre represents a significant improvement for Cleator Moor, providing inclusive, accessible facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities."
The activity centre, part of the Healthy Town scheme, was officially handed over to operator Everyone Active on August 20 and is set to open in the coming weeks.
Enterprising Town will see the continued redevelopment of the Leconfield Industrial Estate and creation of the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) Enterprise Campus.
iSH will provide a collaborative environment "where industry, academia and innovators can come together to solve real-world challenges, while driving long-term economic growth and high-quality jobs in the region."
Revitalised Town will deliver improvements around the Town Square, including a new cultural and community hub, café, commercial kitchen, youth facilities, improved library facilities, business workspace and public realm enhancements.
This project is slated for completion next summer.
Connected Town will improve entry points to the town; encourage more cycling and walking and improve accessibility.
Improvements will be made to the following road junctions under the scheme: Wath Brow the Bowthorn Road/Whitehaven Road junction and the Leconfield junction
More than 3.5km of walking and cycling routes will be enhanced as part of the plan.
The projects are being delivered in partnership with Cumberland Council and other stakeholders to ensure long-term benefits for the community.
Cleator Moor Town Deal Fund is funded by £22.5million from the Government's Towns Fund and £18.4million in match funding.
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