Work is almost complete on Maryport’s former Carlton Cinema and the building is about to be handed over to the community organisation which will secure its future as a cultural and entertainment hub.
Cumberland Council undertook the building’s transformation as part of £12 million of regeneration projects in Maryport. Initial funding was provided by the Government with an additional contribution to the Carlton from Sellafield Ltd.
Now Maryport Horizons CIC, a community interest company, will begin the fit out of the building, ready for its opening in the autumn.
The Carlton’s ground floor has an auditorium with capacity for 280 people and the stage has already been installed. Soon, the audio equipment and lighting will be fitted to bring the facility to life. Next door, where an abandoned derelict building was demolished, is a bright airy bar and fully accessible entrance for the building. It even has a conservatory and courtyard at the rear, perfect for a pre-performance drink when the sun is shining.
Upstairs, the first floor has been converted into modern co-working, small office and workshop spaces, ideal for emerging new businesses. There is even a soundproofed studio for broadcasts and podcasts. The spacious and impressive second floor, with its high ceiling and exposed beams, provides further flexible commercial space.
Catherine Eve, Chair of Maryport Horizons and a business owner in Maryport, said:
“We are really excited about the next steps in our town’s regeneration. Maryport Horizons is a community interest company which works with volunteers to manage public and events spaces as they become available to attract visitors and help revitalise the local economy.
“We cannot wait to get started on giving The Carlton a lively future with events and activities that will appeal to all.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, added:
“This is another milestone in Maryport’s regeneration, and I am looking forward to seeing The Carlton open its doors to the public. Maryport Horizons are perfectly placed to make this a real destination - they have local connections and are at the heart of the community.
“It is fantastic to see the transformed Maryport Activity Centre, the new skatepark, Prom café, Shiver Me Timbers play area and splash park, Shipping Brow Gallery, new shopfronts, additional town centre homes, and some brilliant public realm really enhancing the town. The opening of the new Maritime Museum is just around the corner too.
“It will give the people who live and work in Maryport even more great reasons to come to town and provide the perfect opportunity to bring in more visitors too. That is good for the economy and will help Maryport thrive.”
Tracey West, Head of Social Impact at Sellafield Ltd, added:
“Helping our communities to thrive is one of the priorities of Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SIX) programme. Our £350,000 investment in the Carlton Cinema project reflects that commitment - supporting regeneration, boosting local enterprise, and breathing new life into an important community asset.
“It’s fantastic to see the transformation nearing completion, creating a vibrant, inclusive space that will enhance Maryport’s cultural life and play a key role in the town’s future as a thriving community and destination.”