Plans are being made for the future of Maryport’s former Carlton cinema which will place this prominent venue firmly at the heart of its community.
Cumberland Council’s Executive yesterday (Tuesday 25 November) agreed that the future management of the building will be provided by Maryport Horizons CIC, a community interest company. Subject to finalising detailed terms, they will lease the Carlton and enter into a grant funding agreement with the Council to make the venue a key destination, supporting the wider regeneration of Maryport.
It is part of £12 million of regeneration projects in Maryport being carried out by Cumberland Council. Initial funding was provided by the Government with an additional contribution to the Carlton from Sellafield Ltd.
The historic Senhouse Street building is being transformed into a cultural hub with a focus on music and the arts. Next door, a derelict property has been removed to create the new entrance, box office and bar, all housed in a contemporary extension. The venue’s auditorium will accommodate a capacity crowd of 280. The first floor has been converted into modern co-working, small office and workshop spaces, ideal for emerging new businesses. The light and airy second floor, with its high ceiling and exposed beams, provides further flexible commercial space.
The Carlton is due to open in Spring 2026 and Maryport Horizons already have big plans, ensuring it benefits all those living and working in the town. The aim is to create facilities which are assets to the community, driving footfall to the town centre and its businesses, and attracting more visitors to contribute to the local economy.
Catherine Eve, Chair of Maryport Horizons and a business owner in Maryport, said:
“I am hugely optimistic for the future of the Carlton and our town. We want this to be a multi use space with something for everyone. That could be music gigs, comedy nights and theatre productions, gatherings for older people, youth festivals and young enterprise markets - the opportunities are boundless.
“By managing this building, as well as the new outdoor event space on the harbourside, Maryport Horizons is aiming to create a thriving event-focused economy. We want those who live and work here to have great reasons to come into town, and then attract even more visitors to see what Maryport has to offer.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, added:
“The Carlton will be - for now - the final step in this phase of Maryport’s regeneration. Add this to the new Maritime Museum, the transformed Maryport Activity Centre, the new skatepark, Prom café, Shiver Me Timbers play area and splashpark, Shipping Brow Gallery, new shopfronts, additional town centre homes, and some brilliant public realm and this has kickstarted the town’s fantastic future.
“It is great to partner with Maryport Horizons on the Carlton and the harbourside event space. Their truly local connections will help the success of these new destinations.”