Restoration work at Millom’s historic Old Bank is progressing at pace, marking a major step in the town’s wider regeneration programme.
The project, backed by the £29.3 million Millom Town Deal, is a key part of efforts to revitalise the town’s infrastructure and community spaces through significant government and partner investment.
The Old Bank forms part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings project, which aims to breathe new life into unused historic properties and transform surrounding public areas into more welcoming, functional spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors. Story Contracting Limited, a Cumbrian business, has been appointed as the Principal Contractor for the project.
In recent weeks, the restoration team has made visible progress across all three floors of the former NatWest building. On the ground floor, damp proofing has been successfully completed, and preparatory work is underway to create new structural openings in line with the approved architectural plans. Steel beams are expected on site shortly to facilitate further internal modifications, and final design work is ongoing for the floor slab and access to the building’s original safe room.
On the first floor, wallpaper has been stripped from the ceilings, structural repairs to a load-bearing wall have been completed, and timber treatment across the entire floor is now finished. Around 30% of the internal wall plaster has been removed, and repairs are underway on the original sash windows.
The second floor has also seen good progress, with all plaster removed from internal walls and timber treatment works completed in full.
Externally, scaffolding has now been fully installed and signed off, with regular inspections taking place. The gable wall is being supported with props and structural ties, and the outer brickwork is being prepared for safe removal. The chimney pot has also been lowered to a safe level. Next steps include inspecting the flat roof and guttering, finalising plans for mechanical and electrical systems, and beginning roofing work. Plans are also underway for new facias on the commercial frontage.
Once complete, the Old Bank will be transformed into a dynamic community hub. Located in the heart of Market Square, the building will offer a welcoming café, flexible start-up and office spaces, co-working areas, and dedicated workshops - creating a space for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the wider community to connect and thrive.
David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said:
“Progress is well underway on The Bank and there is lots going on behind the scenes to breathe new life into an unused building. This is a transformational project that, once complete, with provide lasting benefits to our town.”
"The creation of The Old Bank will give a new purpose to this iconic building and will play a big role in revitalising the town centre. It’s an example of how we’re working together to make Millom and Haverigg better places to live, work, and visit. It’s great that work is set to get underway, marking another important step for the Millom Town Deal projects.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer added:
“This project is an important part of the Millom Town Deal and shows how we’re bringing old buildings back into use to benefit the whole community. I’m proud of the progress being made and of the partnerships that are helping to deliver the Town Deal projects.”
Alongside The Old Bank, improvements will be made to the public spaces in the Market Square area, making it more welcoming for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The Millom Town Deal FAQs have been updated and are available at https://millomtowndeal.org.uk/faqs/