Improvements to a leisure facility for Cleator Moor have taken another step forward with the submission of a planning application for the site.
Healthy Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal and aims to provide the community with a modern, multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the Activity Centre.
The full planning application, submitted to Cumberland Council, sets out the benefits of the improvements to the site which include:
- Four court sports hall.
- Multipurpose studio space.
- New fitness suite
- Changing facilities.
- A new base for Copeland Occupational & Social Centre (COSC) - who provide dedicated outreach support to disabled people and groups.
The facility improvements are one of a programme of projects supported by the UK Government’s Town Deal.
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders.
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said:
"The submission of the planning application is another important milestone for the Activity Centre. The plans will transform the existing facility to accommodate a wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community.
“The ambitious schemes for Cleator Moor are moving forward and will provide sustainable developments for the benefit of the whole town.”
Healthy Town aims to enhance leisure provision in the town to boost levels of health and wellbeing and encourage more people to visit, bringing increased footfall and revenue to local businesses.
It is proposed that the new centre would deliver a broader programme of sports, physical activity as well as providing a home to wider health and wellbeing services.
It would also serve as a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC) - a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities.
Councillor Mark Fryer, the Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
“This is another important step forward for this ambitious scheme. It is one of a number of exciting schemes underway across Cumberland.
“Improving access to sports and leisure facilities has the potential to improve wider health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities, something that is a priority for the council.”
A competitive tender process utilising the Cumbria Major Works Framework resulted in contractor Thomas Armstrong being appointed as a Design and Build delivery partner.
Subject to planning approval, the works will start in autumn/winter 2024 and be completed autumn/winter 2025.
For more information on the Cleator Moor Town Deal visit: cleatormoortowndeal.org.uk