Two Millom Town Deal projects are seeking potential operators as the multi-million schemes progress.

Potential operators are being asked to submit their interest for the Ironline and Arts and Enterprise Centre.

David Savage, the Chair of Millom Town Deal Board, said: “We are witnessing another significant step forward by seeking potential operators of these new and exciting facilities.

“The “door is open” and we encourage potential operators to share their skills and knowledge as we move towards with the transformation of our forgotten town.” 

The Ironline will see the uniquely beautiful sea wall and coastal lagoon off the coast of Millom sensitively enhanced to form an inspirational and fully inclusive route across RSPB Hodbarrow with upwards of 7km of walking and cycling routes to be enhanced as part of the project.

Along with the enhanced natural environment a new welcome centre will be created, incorporating a café/bar, retail space and multi-use events room alongside adjacent parking for around 80 vehicles.

Arts and Enterprise Centre part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings projects will see the creation of an Arts and Enterprise Centre within the former NatWest bank building, which will include a cafe and exhibition space, a co-working space for businesses to collaborate and share knowledge, a makers market area, a retail display area, a start-up enterprise space, studios and workshops.

In addition to submitting information through Cumberland Council’s online procurement CHEST, potential providers can also email the procurement team direct or send information in the post:

The online procurement CHEST. Suppliers can find it either:

• Using the following link: Operating Partner(s) for schemes in Millom (due-north.com)

• or searching on the chest under project ID 
• Email: procurement.capital@cumberland.gov.uk
• Post: Capital Programme Team, The Parkhouse Building, Baron Way, Kingmoor Park, Carlisle, CA6 4SJ

The deadline for responses is 4pm on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Millom Town Deal secured £20.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund in November 2022 with an additional £8.7 million in match funding to help the town and its communities to thrive in the future. 

Working with Cumberland Council, the money will be used to deliver four projects. Alongside The Iron Line, the Millom Town Deal includes Activating Community Health, Reactivating Heritage Buildings and Connecting Millom and Haverigg.