Sixteen empty properties have been revived in Maryport as part of an initiative to rejuvenate the town.
The 'Love Maryport Living' project, introduced by Cumberland Council, has successfully brought back to life upper floor accommodations that had been vacant for years.
These spaces, mainly located above shops, were previously unused due to being historically used as storage or office space, tenants having moved on without replacement, or shopkeepers no longer living on the premises.
The project aimed to transform these unoccupied spaces to encourage more people to live, spend, and socialise in Maryport, thereby giving the local economy a boost.
Research carried out before the project showed that around 70 per cent of upper floor properties in Maryport were not in residential use.
Now, some of these apartments have been turned into homes, while others are being rented out as holiday accommodations.
The building owners were awarded grants, funded by central government and managed by the council, to cover up to £60,000 per residential unit.
However, they were required to contribute at least 20 per cent of the renovation costs themselves.
One of the town’s most distinctive buildings, at the junction of Senhouse Street and Crosby Street, was included in the scheme, along with other properties on Senhouse Street.
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "The Love Maryport Living scheme is breathing new life into the town.
"I am so pleased to see all this accommodation completed and that these upper floor spaces are no longer empty and wasted."
He also highlighted the council’s commitment to the vibrancy of the town centre and the importance of people living in the heart of town.
He said: "Maryport is a great town and I hope those who move into the properties, whether that is as tenants or tourists, love their time here."
Chris Peskett, a property landlord, expressed his gratitude for being part of the scheme.
He said: "I have been hugely grateful to be part of the Love Maryport Living scheme which has enabled me to turn some run down, unused space above shops into a range of seven excellent flats."
Mr Peskett also emphasised the crucial role of the grant assistance in making the properties financially viable, and the positive impact of the new residents on the local economy.
He said: "This mix of tourists and contractors brings much needed footfall to the area which in turn benefits local businesses."
He concluded by commending the project’s success in restoring the town’s charm, stating: "The very obvious regeneration visible at the addresses where grant assistance has been made is proof that the money is being used for exactly the purpose that it was designed, namely to bring back to its former glory, a super little town called Maryport."
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