Wigton residents can find out more about plans to transform the town at two events later this month.
Wigton’s Town Team, supported by Cumberland Council, is exploring how £3m – secured through the government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - can be used to improve the economy, vibrancy and appearance of the town.
The latest plans can be seen at the Taste Wigton event on Saturday, 25 April, and at a drop-in at Wigton Library on Thursday 30 April, from 2pm until 7pm. Visitors will be able to chat to council officers, see the designs and find out more about the plans.
Three projects are proposed to revitalise the town centre.
The Water Street Car Park project includes:
- A flexible outdoor space for concerts, markets and events
- New planting and surface treatments
- Power, water and drainage to support events
- Improved signs to better connect the town centre.
Improvements at the King Street/Station Rd junction include:
- A better layout making it safer for pedestrians, with smoother traffic flow.
- A small park with new planting and seating, and an improved bus shelter.
- Better signs to help people navigate between the bus stop, station, shops, and facilities.
Proposals for Throstle Park include:
- Natural play structures
- New seating facing the impressive views
- New leisure facilities for young people
- A pedestrian bridge over the Wiza Beck
- New signs highlighting the environment, heritage, and wildlife.
The Water Street Car Park events space will be delivered first, with the junction improvements planned for summer 2027 and the Throstle Park project for summer 2028.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "These proposals will support growth and vibrancy in Wigton. I would encourage people to come along and chat to our staff to find out more about what the changes would mean - we hope they will trigger economic improvements, improve footfall and make Wigton an even more attractive place to live, work and do business."
Sandra Keaveney, Chair of Wigton Town Team, said: "It’s great to see these plans coming together for Wigton. This investment is a real opportunity to bring new life into the town, support local businesses and create spaces that people can enjoy.
"I’d encourage people to come along to the events, take a look at what’s planned and find out more about what’s happening in Wigton in the coming years.’’
The library event on Thursday, 30 April, is a drop-in and no booking is required. For anyone unable to attend, the plans will be on display in the library until May 9.
Background:
The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a £350 million investment programme designed to unlock economic potential across Cumbria, Northumberland, and the Scottish Borders. Longtown is one of several areas in Cumberland to benefit. The funding is aimed at driving inclusive growth and improving connectivity across the region.
It is made up of £150 million for Scotland (£85 million from the Scottish Government and £65m from the UK Government) and up to £200m for England from the UK Government. This will be supported by more than £100m of funding from local partners.
The Borderlands Partnership is made up of Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
For more information on the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and the programmes and projects the deal aims to deliver, visit www.borderlandsgrowth.com