The latest plans for a £3m investment in Egremont are being unveiled today.
The proposals suggest how the money, secured through the government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, could be spent.
They will be on display in Egremont Market Hall from 2pm until 7pm today.
The Egremont Town Team is working with Cumberland Council to channel the investment into three key projects designed to revitalise the town:
- Developing the former Red Lion pub site
- Enhancing Florence Arts Centre
- Improving town-wide connectivity through the ‘Connecting Egremont’ initiative
The former Red Lion pub site:
This scheme aims to make the town centre more attractive and vibrant, providing opportunities for small businesses and bringing more people into town. Plans include:
- An impressive and welcoming entrance to the new public space behind. The gateway buildings could host a café, a small workshop or retail unit, and new public toilets.
- A landscaped public space which could host events, plus a natural play garden, spill-out areas from the café and community building, seating, planting and a water feature.
- Redevelopment of the vacant building to the rear of the site to provide a multi-use space, studios and workshops.
Florence Arts Centre
The current proposals include:
- Conservation and repairs to the structure of the mine buildings to stop them deteriorating further.
- A bigger car park with 40 marked spaces, a one-way system, and the resurfacing of an access track to bring it back into use.
- Making the arts spaces in the old mine showerblock comfortable and welcoming for participants and visitors - removing asbestos, providing consistent heating and hot water throughout the building and reorienting spaces.
- A new performance space with moveable walls allowing it to transform from an intimate space for smaller events to a large, social area linking to the bar and cafe.
- More artists' studios, which can be used for a range of things from pottery classes to school visits. The Florence Paintmaker studio will remain, with the possibility of it being extended in the future.
- A larger, more modern café with outdoor seating, a small playground, and a shop selling Florence Paintmaker products and local artwork.
Connecting Egremont
This project is still under development but explores potential ways of attracting more people into the town, including:
- A better road crossing between the former Red Lion site across to Market Place
- A Town Trail to encourage visitors to explore
- Clearer signage along Main Street
- An electric vehicle fast charge point and motorhome waste and water facilities at Beck Green car park.
The community can get a closer look at potential design proposals for the Red Lion site and Florence Arts Centre at the public drop-in event at Egremont Market Hall today, Wednesday 8 October, from 2pm until 7pm.
Residents and local businesses are invited to attend, explore the plans, and share their views to help shape the future of Egremont.
Cllr Sam Pollen, Chair of Egremont Town Team, said: “Securing this investment is a huge win for Egremont. These proposals reflect the town’s potential and the passion of its people. I encourage everyone to come along, see how the designs have progressed, and help us refine them with their feedback.”
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, added:
“This is a major milestone for Egremont. We’re now in a position to share and progress ambitious plans that will breathe new life into the town. I’m excited to see how these projects evolve and the positive impact they’ll have on the community.”
For those unable to attend today’s event in person, an online survey is available at https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/egremont-borderlands-projects until 22 October.
The Borderlands Growth Initiative is a government scheme supporting economic development across Cumbria, Northumberland, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders - HOME | Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal
The members of Egremont Town Team are:
- Cumberland Councillor, Sam Pollen (Chair)
- Cumberland Councillor, Graham Minshaw
- Chair of Egremont Town Council, Elaine Woodburn
- Egremont Town Councillor and Business Representative, David Wright
- Arts and Culture Representative, Simon Walker
- Sports Representative, John Wells