Published: 08/03/2022
A RANGE of exciting plans which will help to regenerate the community of Cleator Moor will be on show at a special drop-in exhibition.
Leconfield Redevelopment is set to bring economic and social benefits to the community through projects which will have a positive impact on people, the economy, and the environment.
A consultation is taking place at Cleator Moor Civic Hall over two days next week to give as many people from the community as possible a chance to find out more about the plans including the jobs, skills, training, and business support opportunities set to be created.
Anyone who lives or works in the town is invited to find out more at the consultation for the Leconfield Redevelopment at the civic hall on Tuesday, March 15 (2pm-8pm) and Wednesday March 16 (10am-5pm).
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “This is a significant development for Cleator Moor, and signifies our ambition for the town, residents and business community.
“Leconfield Industrial Estate has been under-used for many years, but now, under public ownership, the much-needed redevelopment can take place.”
The exhibition is an opportunity for residents to share their views on the proposals prior to a planning application being submitted. Members of the project team will be on hand at the drop-in event to discuss the proposals and answer any questions.
Funding for Phase 1 of Leconfield Redevelopment will come via Cleator Moor Town Deal, which secured an offer of £22.5 million from the Government’s Towns Fund last year for five ambitious projects.
One of these projects - Enterprising Town - will see redevelopment of the existing Leconfield Industrial Estate. New buildings would be constructed on site incorporating extensive landscaping, improved public areas, and new cycle and footpaths connecting the site with wider areas of Cleator Moor. Existing buildings will be improved and refurbished.
The proposals follow the council’s purchase of Leconfield Industrial Estate in January.
Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: "The Enterprising Town project is Phase 1 of the Leconfield Redevelopment, transforming the existing site to help strengthen and diversify the West Cumbria economy for many years to come.
"The project will also act as a catalyst for growth, unlocking further investment from strategic partners in the region as well as job opportunities for Cleator Moor residents."
Leconfield Redevelopment is part of a vision for Copeland and the wider region known as the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) which will support businesses to diversify beyond the nuclear sector and grow exports to support the Cumbrian economy.
iSH is an initiative led by Copeland Borough Council with the support of key stakeholders including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and private sector supply chain partners.
Copeland Borough Council chief executive Pat Graham said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity for the Cleator Moor community. iSH will be at the heart of an initiative which will bring wide-ranging benefits to the whole borough of Copeland.
“For the town, investment will come flooding in and the opportunities created will benefit every generation.”
Anyone who is unable to attend the exhibition will be able to share their views on the Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter by taking part in an online survey at www.copeland.gov.uk/cmiq
