A lease operator is being sought for The Old Bank in Millom with the chance to express interests going live today (Monday 2 February 2026).
Carigiet Cowen has been appointed to help find operators for The Old Bank - Millom’s former NatWest Bank now with its new name “The Old Bank” is progressing well, marking another exciting milestone in the £29.3m Millom Town Deal programme.
Located in the Market Square, the building is currently undergoing sensitive refurbishment to bring it back into community use. When complete, The Old Bank will provide a vibrant space for local businesses, artists, and community groups, helping to support enterprise and improve access to arts and culture in Millom and Haverigg.
The centre will include a food and drink offer, offices spaces, business enterprise units, and exhibition and retail display areas, creating new opportunities for people to work, learn, and connect. The project is being delivered through the Town Deal’s Reactivating Heritage Buildings project and is designed to preserve the character of the building while delivering new uses that benefit the wider community.
These opportunities were initially launched in autumn 2025. Subsequently, Cumberland Council identified grant funding opportunities designed to provide revenue support for prospective operators during their first three years of operation. During the review of these funding options, Cumberland Council temporarily paused the process. They are now pleased to present a comprehensive prospectus, which includes full details of the grant funding agreement and draft heads of terms.
David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said:
"All of our Town Deal projects aim to attract visitors and help breathe new life into the town centre. Finding operators to run the sites is another important step forward."
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer added:
“I am proud of the progress being made on all our regeneration projects. A big thanks to all those involved in making these schemes come to life.”
Operators can express interest and view the lease opportunity directly through the appointed agent:
- Carigiet Cowen - Telephone: 01228 544733 | Email: [email protected]| Website: www.carigietcowen.co.uk
Millom Town Deal includes four major projects in the backed by £20.6 million from the Government and £8.7 million in match funding. Together, these projects are reshaping the future of Millom and Haverigg through improved health, economic opportunity, and natural connectivity.