Improvement plans for Cleator Moor have moved forward with the submission of additional plans to create a new community hub.
Revitalised Town, part of the Cleator Town Deal, aims to tackle the issue of underutilised buildings and improve the presentation and perception of Cleator Moor town centre, making the town more attractive to investors and providing skills and employment opportunities for local people.
A new public services and cultural community hub will be created by reconfiguring and linking two existing buildings in the Town Square - the library and the former Credit Union building.
A new café annexe will incorporate a commercial kitchen to the lower ground floor.
The hub will look to provide a range of new facilities such as exhibition and arts space and services for youth provision.
The library will be reconfigured with improved reading space and internet access.
There will also be a programme of work to enhance the appearance and ambience of the Town Square.
Additional information has been submitted to the existing planning application which seeks approval for the extension and alteration of the existing buildings to create a community hub including café. The relocation of existing sculptures, public realm improvements, the restoration of the Memorial Fountain, new landscaped areas and accessibility improvements are also included in the plans.
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund. Revitalised Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal The project is being managed by Cumberland Council.
Joanne Crowe, a member of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said:
“The submission of additional planning information is another important step forward for the Town Deal project. The exciting plans, if approved, will result in huge improvements that will benefit the whole town.”
The project will include public realm improvements to Cleator Moor Town Square:
Fountain to be restored and made operational (subject to formal agreement from Cleator Moor Town Council).
New bus shelter put in (in the same location).
Improved seating, planting and hard-landscaped areas.
Artworks and memorials cleaned and repositioned where required.
Improved public lighting scheme.
New electric vehicle (E.V.) charging points installed
New bike racks installed.
New CCTV cameras installed to monitor the Town Square (subject to agreement with Cumbria Police).
Subject to planning approval, the works aim to start in early 2026 and be completed in summer 2027.
Day Cummins Ltd. has been appointed as the architect for the scheme.
For more information on the Cleator Moor Town Deal visit: cleatormoortowndeal.org.uk