Construction work on an exciting new Arts and Enterprise Centre, known as the Old Bank, in the heart of Millom, is set to get underway.

This project marks the second project to get underway from the Millom Town Deal aimed at revitalising the town, following the successful start of the Activating Community Health project at the beginning of the year.

Work on The Old Bank will start on Monday, March 31, with the once a dormant building being transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, business, and community engagement.

David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “I’m incredibly proud to announce that we are kicking off the construction of The Old Bank, marking the second of our four major projects to get underway.

“This is a clear sign to everyone in Millom and Haverigg that we are fully committed to revitalizing the Town and delivering for our community.

“This iconic building will once again come back to life and play a significant role in boosting our local economy by supporting Millom and Haverigg in being an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

Located in the historic NatWest building at Market Square, the centre will feature diverse spaces designed to foster and support local businesses, start-ups, and community interactions.

These include a welcoming café, startup and office spaces, as well as co-working areas and workshops.

Cumbrian business, Story Contracting Limited, has been appointed as the Principal Contractor for the project.

As construction progresses, a temporary site office will be established at 4 Market Square.

This office will serve as a drop-in point for anyone interested in learning more about the project or the broader Millom Town Deal.

Barrow and Furness MP, Michelle Scrogham has commented on the start of the work saying: “I’m delighted to see that the construction work on the Old Bank project in Millom will officially get underway next week.

“This will create an exciting new hub for the town with a café, offices, co-working areas, and workshops to support entrepreneurs and community projects.

“It will help create new jobs, businesses and opportunities in the town. This is another important milestone for the Millom Town Deal projects following the start of the community health project earlier this year.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Town Deal Team, Cumberland Council, and everyone else working to bring this project to life.”

This initiative is part of the larger £29.3 million Millom Town Deal, which has secured significant government funding and additional investments aimed at enhancing the town’s infrastructure and community facilities.

The Reactivating Heritage Buildings project, through initiatives like The Old Bank, aims to breathe new life into unused buildings and to make the surrounding public spaces more inviting for residents, businesses, and visitors.