A £1 million fund has been announced to develop a masterplan for Pioneer Park at Moorside.

The next phase of West Cumbria’s clean energy and technology future has taken a major step forward today, as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority confirmed £1 million funding for a masterplan for Pioneer Park – the site on land at Moorside adjacent to Sellafield earmarked for new nuclear development and AI-led growth.

The funding will enable local development company BEC to produce a detailed masterplan for the Pioneer Park site, setting out how Small Modular Reactors and AI and data centre infrastructure could come together to drive long-term regeneration and jobs.

This announcement follows months of co-ordinated work through the Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP, and involving the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd., and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The masterplan will form the foundation for planning, investment and infrastructure decisions through 2026, moving the project from concept to delivery.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister said: “This is a significant milestone in the plan to bring new nuclear to WestCumbria. The masterplan will give us a clear route to deliver clean energy, new technology and long-term jobs for our community.

“West Cumbria led the world in nuclear innovation once before – and with this next step, we’re getting closer to doing it again.”

While Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “Pioneer Park has the potential to be a flagship project for Britain’s clean energy future.

“This funding is a key step in turning ambition into action – helping local and national partners work together to produce clean energy, deliver new industries, and new opportunities for West Cumbria.”

Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said: “This announcement shows that momentum is building behind Pioneer Park. BEC has worked hard alongside our partners to make the case for new nuclear and AI investment, and today’s funding gives us the resources to set out a detailed, ambitious plan for the site.

“It’s a big step forward for our area and for the future of clean growth in West Cumbria.”

David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, said: “The NDA is proud to support this next stage of work at Pioneer Park.

“The project builds on West Cumbria’s unrivalled nuclear expertise while looking firmly to the future – creating opportunities for new technologies, skills and investment that will benefit the local community for generations.”

 The Pioneer Park masterplan will build on the findings of the Market Engagement process, which showed strong industry interest in the site as a location for Small Modular Reactors, AI and data centres, and other advanced technology developments.

It will also align with Cumberland’s proposal for Pioneer Park to become the UK’s first Nuclear-Powered AI Growth Zone.