Maryport’s bid for about £14m in regeneration funding has finally been revealed in full, with the public being asked to have their say on plans to transform the town.
Plans to transform Maryport include the creation of a market and activities space which could be used for small music events and a community cinema.
The bid to the Future High Streets Fund made by Allerdale Borough Council’s regeneration team will also look to bring The Carlton building back into use, turning it into an events space and shared working area.
Plans also include turning Christ Church into a museum and gallery space as well as revamping The Wave Centre to include soft play, swimming, a cafe and E-bike hub. The town is in the top 100 shortlist of bids for the Future High Street Fund.
The programme’s manager Paul Taylor said: “There will be competition from a number of other local authorities.”
He added that successful applications will be announced in the Autumn.
Allerdale Borough councillor and member of the regeneration team Adrian Kirkbride said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea. It’s exactly what the town needs.
“For many years Maryport’s been forgotten about.”
He hopes that, should the plans go through, it will be a change in fortunes for the town.
Mr Kirkbride said: “It’ll encourage people to visit here, stay here and there will be more available for the people that do live here.
“There’s a lot gone into this.”
Mike Johnson, deputy leader of the council and executive member for economic growth, community development and placemaking, said: “The Maryport team has worked exceptionally hard over a number of months to put together these plans which we believe will be well received by the community.
“Transforming Maryport and helping it realise its potential has long been an ambition of this council and we hope, if we are successful in gaining funding from the FHSF, these projects will have a lasting positive impact on the town and the wider area.”
In its Maryport Regeneration Delivery plan, Allerdale Borough Council said: “Maryport has a vast array of strengths and opportunities, all the pieces of a puzzle which need to be put together.”
Maryport mayor Peter Kendall said: “My colleague Carni McCarron-Holmes, myself and Alan Smith were supportive of setting it up right through the first consultation period four years ago.
“I’m extremely optimistic about the future.”
The public are being asked to give their views after watching a video of the plans on the Allerdale Council website.
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