A 'STRONG step forward' has been taken in the Workington Gateway project, after the council approved two planning applications which will see a range of improvements in and around Workington’s historic Hall Park.

They are part of the Workington Gateway project which is described as an important regeneration initiative for the town.

One scheme approved by the planners will allow the widening of Hall Brow. This busy stretch of highway, which runs past the police station, is currently 'narrow and problematic', particularly for HGVs and buses, the council said.

Now it can be widened, new parking spaces created for residents, and a new pedestrian crossing created. The Hall Park wall will be moved further into the Grade II-listed parkland and rebuilt in its traditional style.

The second application will see upgrades to the pedestrian and cycle routes through Hall Park, which is where the Grade I-listed Workington Hall is located.

The pathways will be resurfaced giving greater accessibility for park users. In addition, the main entrances to the green space, next to the Stainburn Road skate park and on Ladies Walk at the rear of the magistrates’ court, will be enhanced.

The initiative is being managed by Cumberland Council. Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “This is a strong step forwards for this project and it will enhance the area in and around Hall Park for everyone, whether they are on foot, on a bike or in a car.

"Not only will the changes open up this important route through Workington, but they will make travel easier for non-road users too.

"Improvements to the footways and cycle routes around Workington Hall will also make a real feature of this historic asset.”

The Workington Gateway project is a £10million scheme investing in local regeneration and infrastructure.

Other aspects of the scheme will remove the pinch point where the A66 and A596 meet at Ramsay Brow, next to the magistrates' court. The junction is being reconfigured to enable larger vehicles to navigate the route more easily, reducing freight times to employment sites north of Workington and easing the impact on communities from HGV traffic.

In addition, the project will improve local cycling and walking connections and light up Workington Hall. West House social enterprise will also create a centre and cafe in the Park’s walled garden to provide horticultural training and employability skills for adults with learning disabilities.

Workington Gateway is one of number of regeneration projects in the town which are benefiting from £33million of funding. They include a new Sports Village and an Innovation Centre business facility, as well as a logistics and energy hub at the Port of Workington. The town’s public realm will also be enhanced, and a Digital Accelerator Hub at Lakes College has already opened to benefit thousands of students.