A PLANNING application to help revitalise Cleator Moor’s town centre so that it can thrive into the future has been submitted.
Permission is being sought for a new public services and cultural community hub which would be created by refurbishing and reconfiguring Cleator Moor Library and the old Council Offices on the Market Square together with work to the external public realm.
The proposal is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal which last year secured £40.9m in funding – with £22.5m coming from the Government’s Towns Fund and a further £18.4m from match funders.
The new hub aims to offer skills and employment opportunities and community facilities including a cafe for local people and to increase footfall in the town’s centre.
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “Getting the project to the stage at which it can be submitted to the local planning authority is a big step and represents a huge amount of work.
“This project has the potential to secure a range of long term benefits for the town, its residents and businesses and I’m pleased to see it move forward.
“Members of the public viewed the proposal at the Town Deal drop-in event held earlier this year and it received some very positive feedback.”
The proposed town centre hub would look to provide a range of new facilities including a cafe along with reading space and internet access.
An extension would be built to add a new entrance from Market Street, improving accessibility to both the library and Town Hall.
Outside, improvements would include new landscaped areas, restoration of the memorial fountain and removal of cast iron railings around Market Place and the Town Square.
The application will be considered at a future hearing of Cumberland Council’s Planning Committee.