A PLANNING  application has been submitted for a major upgrade of one of Maryport’s most prominent buildings.

Cumberland Council is applying to make changes to The Wave Centre, on the town’s historic harbourside.

Locals and visitors alike have helped to inspire the new plans which include a new adventure play centre for young children, refurbishment of the Clip n’ Climb attraction, new multifunctional studio spaces, a community meeting space, party rooms and an enhanced bigger gymnasium.

Outside there will be a new bike hub with e-bike charging facilities and storage, along with more attractive landscaping. The entrance area will be improved and staff offices moved upstairs to free up more space on the ground floor.

The wider project plans include a splash park, a bespoke outdoor event space on the harbourside suitable for al fresco performances or markets, improvements to the Shiver Me Timbers playground, and a new promenade café, beach shop and a bike hub. They have been designed to include something for every age group, and will have a new wayfinding scheme to link them all together.

The £2.3 million changes to The Wave are part of wider £5.2 million investment plans for Maryport which aim to enhance and develop three of its biggest assets - the town’s high street, harbour and promenade.

If all goes to plan, the developments will be completed by Summer 2024. Before work can begin, the town-wide masterplan has to be approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which is providing the funding for the project. The planning application is being submitted now so that the Council can get contractors on site as soon as possible.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer said: “This is the next step in this exciting new investment masterplan for Maryport. By submitting this planning application now we are well placed to start work on site as soon as we hear what we hope will be positive news from the Government.

“The new Shipping Brow Gallery will open in a few weeks, the contractors are on site at The Carlton and Christ Church, shopfronts are being upgraded, new homes created, and the new Boardwalk creating a fabulous accessible route – there is loads going on in Maryport.”