Plans to transform the centre of Cleator Moor have taken a major step forward, with Story Contracting Ltd. appointed as Principal Contractor for the £4.2 million Revitalised Town project.
The project is one of four schemes that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal programme, which secured £22.5 million from the Government's Towns Fund. Managed by Cumberland Council, Revitalised Town aims to bring underused buildings back into use, improve the look and feel of the town centre and create new opportunities for local people.
The project will create a new public services and community hub by linking and refurbishing the existing library and former Credit Union building in the Town Square. The hub will include improved library facilities, new exhibition and arts space, areas for youth activities and a café annexe with a commercial kitchen. Improvements will also be made to the Town Square to create a more welcoming space for residents and visitors.
Alison Graham, Assistant Director of Customer Solutions, said:
“We are pleased to see this project moving into the next stage with contractors now in place and work due to begin soon. The Revitalised Town project is about bringing important town centre buildings back into use and creating spaces that better meet the needs of the community of Cleator Moor.”
Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, added:
“It's fantastic to see another Town Deal project moving into the delivery phase. The Revitalised Town project has always been about creating a stronger future for Cleator Moor by investing in the heart of the town and providing facilities that meet the needs of local people.”
These plans have been supported by additional funding of £475,000 from the Sellafield Impact Investment Fund (SiiF) and £25,000 from Cleator Moor Town Council.
Tracey West, head of social impact for Sellafield Ltd, said:
“We’re proud to support the Revitalised Town project through the Sellafield Impact Investment Fund. This investment reflects our commitment to helping create thriving and resilient communities across West Cumbria.
“It’s encouraging to see the project moving into the construction phase and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for the people of Cleator Moor for many years to come.”
Work is expected to start in mid-August this year. The first phase will include asbestos removal and further ground investigation. From Monday 17 August, some temporary fencing will be installed to the rear of the library and around a number of trial-hole areas. The small car park to the front of the Town Council offices will be closed off from this date and will remain closed for the duration of the project, as it will be used as the construction site compound. During this time, the Friday Market and mobile banking service will temporarily relocate to the car park in front of the Cleator Moor Civic Hall. The council car park to the rear of the square, on the corner of Cragg Road and Market Street, will remain open throughout the works.
As the project progresses, some temporary changes will be required in and around the town centre. From Monday 7 September, the full project site, including the area in front of the library and the existing bus stop, will be fenced off while construction takes place. A temporary bus stop will be provided nearby. The construction phase is expected to last approximately 14 months.
Andy Clode, Managing Director of Story Contracting Construction Division, added:
“We are delighted to be working with Cumberland Council on this exciting new project in Cleator Moor. As a Cumbrian based business with our teams all living locally, it’s really important that our town centres are revitalised and our public spaces are attractive places to live and visit. We are also looking forward to working with local communities and schools to deliver our social value programme alongside the project.”
As part of the scheme, four new high-quality CCTV cameras will be installed and linked to the existing police network, providing enhanced security and monitoring within the town centre. The cameras will be paid for as part of the project, but Cleator Moor Town Council have agreed to cover their on-going maintenance costs.
Steve Richardson, Town Clerk for Cleator Moor Town Council, said:
“This is a very exciting time for Cleator Moor, and the completed project will benefit residents’ visitors and workers alike. The short-term pain while the project takes shape will be well worth it when completed. The Town Council have fully supported the Revitalised Town Project along with the other Town deal initiatives coming to fruition in the town.”
The Revitalised Town project forms part of the wider Cleator Moor Town Deal programme, which is delivering investment across the town to support regeneration, economic growth and improved opportunities for local communities.
For more information on the Cleator Moor Town Deal visit: cleatormoortowndeal.org.uk