Footfall in Maryport has risen by more than 35% compared to this time last year amid the town’s £12 million regeneration projects.
According to automatic sensors, the number of people passing the Town Hall on Senhouse Street increased by more than a third during March 2025, in comparison to the same month last year.
Senhouse Street is the main route connecting the town centre with the Harbourside and Promenade, all of which are areas benefiting from the regeneration projects.
The Love Maryport Living scheme awarded grants to bring empty accommodation above shops back into use and increase the number of people living in the town centre, while the Shopfront Scheme has transformed the look of many properties and attracted a wealth of new businesses, from retailers and wellness providers, to a photographer and a Banking Hub. New public realm and signage has also improved the high street and its surrounds.
On the Harbourside, the colourful Shiver Me Timbers splashpark and play area, the new attractions at Maryport Activity Centre and the creation of Shipping Brow Gallery have given people more reasons to visit, as has the skatepark on the Promenade.
The majority of the schemes were funded by UK Government and managed by Cumberland Council, with additional funding from Sellafield Ltd for transformation of the Carlton.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
When Maryport Maritime Museum opens in Christ Church, the former Carlton Cinema becomes a cultural hub and the new café opens on the Promenade there will be even more reasons to visit. I am very pleased to see that footfall is already on the up - even before the summer tourist season. This is great for the local economy which is the whole point of this work.”
Mark Vollers owns the Lake District Coast Aquarium and assists Cumberland Council and Maryport Town Council by managing the Shiver Me Timbers play area and splashpark. He said: “An optimistic air was detectable as soon as regeneration funding was confirmed and this has grown as projects take shape. The fact the much-loved Shiver Me Timbers has been totally renewed has more than lived up to expectations, reflected by much increased ice cream and cafe take-out sales for us. It is now a fantastic free facility and will, for sure, draw Cumbrians and visitors alike in increased numbers. Well done to private and council employees who are planning ahead to keep the positive momentum."
Michelle Mayman has The Three Frogs clothes and gift shop and has just opened The Rusty Crab menswear store with her partner Edd Woodthorpe in buildings improved by the Shopfront Scheme. She said: “We are over the moon with the increase in footfall. It’s wonderful to know people are realising what Maryport has to offer. We have definitely noticed more custom from locals, visitors from surrounding towns, and tourists. With all the new businesses and attractions, I really believe 2025 is going to be amazing for Maryport!”
For more information about Maryport’s regeneration visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/maryport