The transformation of the Cleator Moor Activity Centre has been completed, marking a significant milestone for the Cleator Moor Town Deal programme.
Contractor Thomas Armstrong, working on behalf of Cumberland Council, has successfully delivered the extensive improvements to the existing activity centre. The Cumberland Council facility was formally handed over to operator Everyone Active on Thursday 20 August 2026, who will fit-out the building in preparation for opening.
The project forms part of the Healthy Town scheme, one of four projects within the Cleator Moor Town Deal programme, and was the first of the Town Deal projects to get underway.
The completed development provides Cleator Moor with a modern, multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility designed to support people of all ages and abilities. The upgraded facility has been designed to improve opportunities for sport, exercise and social inclusion, helping to support healthier lifestyles while providing high-quality community facilities for local residents.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer said:
"The completion of the Cleator Moor Activity Centre demonstrates the real difference that Town Deal investment is making in the town. As the first of the Town Deal projects to be delivered, it marks an exciting step forward in the wider programme of regeneration.
“The new activity centre represents a significant improvement for Cleator Moor, providing inclusive, accessible facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.”
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added:
"Helping people live active, healthy lives is a key priority for Cumberland Council, and this investment will give local residents access to modern facilities that support both physical wellbeing and social connection.
“It's great to see a facility that has been designed to meet the needs of the whole community, including providing a new home for COSC and the vital services it delivers. We look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes to the community.”
The existing Cleator Moor Activity Centre has been transformed and redeveloped into a new multi-functional sports facility. The existing building has been repurposed and a new extension added to the rear of the hall. The state-of-the-art redevelopment is fully electric, energy efficient, with solar PV panels on the extension building to subsidise the energy requirements.
Tom Rice, Contract Manager at Everyone Active said:
“We’re proud to have been working in partnership with Cumberland Council on this major refurbishment project for the local community.
“Unveiling the fantastic improvements at Cleator Moor Activity Centre is a wonderful moment that showcases the importance of investing in the health and wellbeing of local people.
“This transformation will give residents of all ages and abilities access to high-quality, accessible, modern facilities on their doorstep. We’re excited to see how it will inspire more people to get active and enjoy everything our centre has to offer.”
Alongside the construction work, Thomas Armstrong also supported the Phoenix Advice and Guidance (PAG) project, helping to deliver wider benefits for the local community. Through the initiative, 200 unemployed and digitally excluded residents across Cumberland were supported to access IT facilities, while 50 people received help to develop their digital skills. The project also helped 30 residents move into employment and provided support to 100 disadvantaged families, reaching people experiencing financial hardship, through assistance with food and other essential costs while they work towards a more stable financial situation.
The centre will also become the new home of Cumberland Occupational and Social Centre (COSC), a day service that supports people with physical disabilities.
Sam McCrae - Murphy, COSC Manager said:
“COSC has been part of the local community for over 30 years, we appreciate being included in this development.
“This development will improve the quality of service that we are going to be able to offer adults with disabilities, from a therapy room were we can offer relaxation and massages, to a garden were members can grow vegetables. We thank you the towns deal so very much.”
The activity centre improvements form part of a wider programme of investment supported through the Government's Town Deal initiative.
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said:
"As the first of the Town Deal projects to be delivered, it demonstrates the progress being made across the wider programme and the positive impact that Town Deal investment can have for our communities. We look forward to seeing residents, local groups and COSC benefit from these fantastic new facilities for many years to come."
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured £22.5 million from the Government's Towns Fund, alongside a further £18.4 million in match funding from partner organisations, including funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Copeland Community Fund for the Healthy Town project.
Jamie Reed, the NDA’s Director of Socio-Economics, said:
“The completion of the Cleator Moor Activity Centre is a significant achievement and a clear example of how targeted investment and partnership working can create lasting benefits for our local communities.
“Through our contribution to the Healthy Town project, we are proud to support a facility that will improve opportunities for health, wellbeing and inclusion, while helping to create a stronger and more sustainable future for Cleator Moor and the surrounding areas.”
Emma Moynihan, Service Manager for Community Funding at Copeland Community Fund added:
"Copeland Community Fund is pleased to have contributed £1 million towards the new facilities at Cleator Moor Activity Centre. Central to our mission is investing in local people, places and the economy to create opportunities and improve lives.
"We are delighted to see this transformational project reach completion, providing a wide range of sports, physical activity, health and wellbeing services for the community. The centre will play an important role in supporting healthier lifestyles and creating lasting benefits for the people of Cleator Moor."
Further information about opening arrangements and activities at the facility will be announced by Everyone Active in due course.