The government has signed off on plans to have more than £12 million invested to help transform Maryport’s town centre, harbourside and promenade.

The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has approved plans that will see developments in the town – from a harbourside events area, to a promenade café and bike hub, to a new splashpark, and indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds, as well as a wayfinding scheme which will tie all of this together.

All these new developments are in addition to the many investment and regeneration schemes already taking place in Maryport, with more than £12 million being spent in the town in total. The newest developments will be funded by more than £5 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “To meet the terms of the Government funding, we had to show that the new investment plans will improve the experience for those living in and visiting Maryport, drive growth and ensure the town’s future viability. It is brilliant news that these new initiatives obviously meet all those criteria and have been received so positively.

“Maryport is already a real gem on Cumberland’s coastline. Now this is a town that is really on the up and I think these schemes will make a great place even better.”

The plans include the creation of a new Maritime Museum in the historic Christ Church building, the opening of the new Shipping Brow Gallery, the shopfront scheme which is improving the high street, and the Love Maryport Living residential conversion project which is restoring accommodation above businesses in the town centre.

There’s also the reopening of the former Carlton cinema as an indoor event and workspace, the restoration of the Town Hall, the building of a new boardwalk to link the harbour and the prom, and an extensive cultural programme which is bringing the town to life.

Locals and visitors played their part in the creation of the new investment plans, which are due to be completed by Summer 2024.

A public consultation prioritised improvements to the promenade and more attractions and activities for younger people, as well as the creation of this flexible outdoor events area which will complement the indoor venue being created at the Carlton.

There will also be improvements at the Wave, with the creation of a new indoor adventure soft play, new multi-use rooms, upgrades to Clip n’ Climb, and changes to the public gym.