The refurbishment of Cleator Moor Activity Centre have taken another step forward with the announcement of a start date following the approval of a planning application and a contractor appointment.

Part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal’s Healthy Town projects the announcement is a major step in the Town Deal’s plans.

The refurbishment aims to provide the community with a modern, multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the existing Activity Centre.

Bob Metcalfe, Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “This another important milestone for the Activity Centre. The plans will transform the existing facility to accommodate a wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community.

“The ambitious schemes for Cleator Moor are moving forward and will provide sustainable developments for the benefit of the whole town.”

The news has been welcomed by one the new primary users of the revamped site.

It will provide a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC) – a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities.

Sam McCrae – Murphy, COSC Manager said: “We have received the news that the planning permission has been approved and we can’t explain how much this means to our members, staff and volunteers. 

“The quality of service we are going to be able to offer Is a dream come true. 

“COSC has been in The Bunker for over 30 years, in that time we have expanded our service to reach more ages, disabilities and an outreach support programme. 

“The members say to have windows, a garden, and a safe space to explore their abilities and make new friends is life changing. 

“We all would like to thank the people who have been involved in making it happen.” 

Cumberland Council has been working with contractor Thomas Armstrong under a design and build contract, now with planning secured, contract works will start in January 2025 with an anticipated 13-month programme.

To allow the works to get underway the main Activity Centre building will close to the public on Monday, January 13, with the 3G pitch still be operating during the works.

The site improvements will include a four court sports hall, multipurpose studio space, new fitness suite and changing facilities along with providing a new base for Copeland Occupational & Social Centre (COSC) – who provide dedicated outreach support to disabled people and groups.

Healthy Town aims to enhance leisure provision in the town to boost levels of health and wellbeing and encourage more people to visit, bringing increased footfall and revenue to local businesses.

It is proposed that the new centre would deliver a broader programme of sports, physical activity as well as providing a home to wider health and wellbeing services.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the Leader of Cumberland Council, added: “This is another important step forward for this ambitious scheme. It is one of a number of exciting schemes underway across Cumberland.

“Improving access to sports and leisure facilities has the potential to improve wider health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities, something that is a priority for the council.” 

The current operators of the Activity Centre GLL’s Cumberland Partnership Manager, Tom Rice, said: “This is a great investment for the people of Cleator Moor and surrounding areas, the new facility is going to provide more activities to more people and really benefit the Health and Wellbeing of the local population, we are excited to be a part of it.

“During the building works our current members of Cleator Moor Activity Centre will be able to access our other facilities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre, and Whitehaven Sports Centre.”

The facility improvements are one of a programme of projects supported by the UK Government’s Town Deal.

Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders.