Cumberland Council has secured over £33 million in funding to deliver a major regeneration programme in Workington, aimed at boosting the local economy, revitalising the town centre, and creating a more connected, inclusive space for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Workington is a key hub for West Cumbria, with growing strengths in manufacturing and clean energy. This significant investment package from central government will deliver two flagship projects as part of a wider programme of regeneration schemes.
A total of £23 million has been awarded through the Workington Town Deal to support the Town Investment Plan, which aims to transform Workington into a vibrant and well-connected destination for business, community, and visitors. An additional £10 million will be used to improve access to key employment sites and the Port of Workington, and to enhance walking and cycling links between the town centre and local cultural and heritage attractions.
Two flagship projects will lead the transformation. The first, the Workington Town Centre Public Realm and Connectivity Project, funded through the Town Deal, supports a vision of a thriving, pedestrian-friendly town centre. The project will reduce the impact of traffic, improve connectivity, and create safe, attractive public spaces that encourage footfall and private investment.
The second project, Workington Gateway, is supported by central government funding. It focuses on strengthening the town’s economy and transport network. Key elements include improving road infrastructure at Ramsay Brow and Hall Brow to reduce congestion, making Hall Park and Workington Hall more accessible by foot and bike, and unlocking new growth opportunities at key employment sites and the Port of Workington.
Construction for both projects is set to begin this August (2025), with completion expected by spring 2026.
These schemes form part of a broader regeneration programme for Workington, which includes the Workington Gateway, Innovation Centre, Port of Workington Logistics and Energy Hub, traffic improvements at Ramsay Brow and Hall Brow, new cycleways and activities in Hall Park, and the development of the Cumberland Sports Village.
To help the community understand the construction timetable and ask questions directly to the project team, Cumberland Council will host a public drop-in session at:
Workington Library (Vulcans Lane, Workington CA14 2ND) on
Thursday 24 July from 3pm – 8pm
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“This is fantastic news for Workington. With more than £33 million of investment, we are not only revitalising the town centre but also supporting long-term economic growth and tackling traffic issues at known pinch-points.
“There will inevitably be some disruption during the construction phase, and we ask residents and businesses to bear with us as the work progresses. However, I want to reassure everyone that local businesses will remain open throughout the works.
“Our contractors will work proactively and flexibly with them to minimise inconvenience; particularly around deliveries, access and trading hours; and we will keep communication open every step of the way.
“We are also working closely with local stakeholders to ensure this project runs as smoothly as possible, considering the needs of the community, businesses, and visitors throughout the process.
“I also invite the community to come along to our drop-in session at Workington Library on 24 July, where the project team will explain the schedule of works and answer any questions.
“Together, we can ensure the town centre stays a welcoming place for shoppers, visitors and workers, so please keep supporting Workington’s businesses; your support will make a real difference.”
For more information and updates on Workington’s regeneration projects, please visit the Cumberland Council website at www.cumberland.gov.uk/regeneration.
