A project that aims to support local communities in Cleator Moor has had a funding boost thanks to a Town Deal contractor.
Thomas Armstrong Construction is the main contractor on the Cleator Moor Town Deal Phase 3 Phoenix Court renovations and Cleator Moor Activity Centre projects.
As part of £15,000 ‘social value’ funding they are supporting a next Phoenix Advice and Guidance project.
Social value refers to the additional positive effects a project contributes to a community. These may include benefits such as job creation, enhancing community engagement, or offering opportunities for education and skills development, recreation and health and wellbeing.
Phoenix Enterprise Centre in partnership with Citizens Advice Copeland are set to deliver a new 12-month project called Phoenix Advice and Guidance (PAG); - a continuation of their successful DAAFS Project.
It will provide the support, resources and infrastructure required to support people to move forward and access opportunities.
200 unemployed, digitally excluded Cumberland residents will access their IT Centre
30 unemployed, digitally excluded Cumberland residents will move into jobs
50 project users will be assisted with IT skills development
100 disadvantaged Families (350 people) in financial distress will receive support with food or the cost of food whilst they engage with PEC or a Partner towards an improved financial situation.
The project will start in September of this year.
Joanne Crowe, Executive Director, Phoenix Enterprise Centre said:
“We are delighted that the main contractor of the Phase 3 Phoenix Court renovations and Cleator Moor Activity Centre projects has decided to support the next Phoenix Advice & Guidance project through meaningful social value funding.
“Thomas Armstrong Construction is a leading local construction and redevelopment company, and their genuine contribution will help future-proof essential support services for residents in Cleator Moor and the surrounding area. As PEC celebrates 40 years of supporting local businesses, it's fitting to see a respected local company giving back and investing in the long-term wellbeing of our community.”
Brian Holgate, Contracts Manager (Construction Limited), Thomas Armstrong added:
"We are proud to support Phoenix Enterprise Centre’s Phoenix Advice and Guidance project with a donation of £15,000. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering community well-being and providing essential resources to those in need. We believe in the power of collaboration to create positive change and are excited to contribute to the project's success."
The PEC Phase 3 building in Cleator Moor is owned by Cumberland Council and operated by Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) under a long-term lease.
The refurbishment of the building got underway in January this year and is being undertaken as part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Revitalised Town project with around £1.3 million of works being undertaken.
Situated off the Town Square, the works aim to increase the supply of high-quality, affordable office space in the centre of Cleator Moor.
Cumberland Council appointed Day Cummins Ltd from Cockermouth as Principal Designer and Thomas Armstrong Ltd from Flimby was appointed as Principal Contractor.
The construction work is on-track to be completed by the end of 2025. Planning consent for the works was granted in November 2024.
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Board said:
“Work is well underway on the Phoenix Court Phase 3 building. The investment of over £1.3 million will bring back into use a commercial property on the Square and provide space for latent demand in the town for quality office space, this is welcome news and will support wider regeneration projects across the Town under the Town Deal banner.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer said:
“It is great to see progress being made. Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects and momentum continues to build across this transformational programme.”
Also part of the Revitalised Town programme is Cleator Moor Community Hub and Town Square public realm works.
The aim is to increase activity and footfall around the Town Square by bringing vacant and under-utilised buildings back into active use while creating an attractive new public realm. Uses will include a new cultural community hub and enhanced business space.
The Cleator Moor Community Hub will incorporate the library and old council offices. The two existing buildings will be joined by a new annexe that will house a café.
Public realm works will see improvements to the Town Square. Day Cummins Ltd. have been appointed as Principal Designer for the project.
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders.