Members of the public are being given the opportunity to see what plans have been developed as Egremont bids for Broderlands funding.

The new plans for Egremont will be available at a public engagement event on Tuesday, December 10, between 2pm and 7pm, at Egremont Market Hall.

Three projects are being developed to support a £3 million bid for Borderlands Inclusive Growth Funding. They will look to support the town’s health, economy and reputation as a destination town.

The projects have been developed by a Town Team made up of representatives from the community.

Chair of the project, Councillor Sam Pollen said: “We are delighted to be welcoming members of the public to our exhibition, where they will see the options being considered and images linked to each project. We want people to input into the development of the projects so we can be sure we are progressing what is right for Egremont, our residents and our businesses.

“Getting these schemes right will provide real potential for Egremont and I would encourage people to come and have their say.”

The three schemes are:

• Redevelopment of the former Red Lion site

This project will see the redevelopment of this vacant town centre site to provide a new public space. The proposal could create new ‘buildings’ on-site, offering pop-up vendor locations, play/gym equipment, maker spaces and landscaping.

• Development of Florence Arts Centre

This project will develop the cultural and heritage offer at the centre and involve both construction and landscaping works to improve access and increase opportunities for the community, artists and creative groups to use the space, whilst also incorporating green technologies.

• Connecting Egremont

This project will develop new signage and information boards to support the development of a Town Trail, promoting the town’s key attractions. It will also consider electric vehicle charging points, campervan spaces and additional cycle parking, to encourage visitors and residents to stay longer in the town centre. 

The event is a chance for local residents and businesses to take a closer look at the schemes and provide feedback on the projects.

An online survey will also be available from Tuesday, December 10, to Wednesday, January 8, and can be found on Cumberland Councils website here

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was signed in March 2021. The £350 million investment in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, from the UK and Scottish Governments, is made up of £150 million for Scotland (£85 million from the Scottish Government and £65 million from the UK Government) and up to £200 million for England from the UK Government. This will be supported by over £100 million of funding from local partners.

The Borderlands Partnership is made up of Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and Northumberland County Council in England and Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Borders Council.