Pioneer Park was proudly showcased at Nuclear Week in Parliament this week, with a strong and positive response to ambitious plans for a new nuclear-led clean energy park in West Cumbria.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the scale of the opportunity at Pioneer Park and the role the site can play in supporting the UK’s clean energy and nuclear ambitions.

There was significant interest from nuclear developers and industry partners, underlining both the credibility of the proposals and the growing appetite to invest in West Cumbria.

Pioneer Park is central to plans to drive long-term economic growth in the area, creating high-quality jobs, supporting skills development, and ensuring West Cumbria remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation.

Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister who’s constituency would be home to the development said: “Pioneer Park shows what West Cumbria has to offer when we are clear about our ambition and serious about delivery.

“Nuclear Week was a chance to put West Cumbria firmly on the map, and the level of interest from developers was incredibly encouraging.

“There is real momentum behind these plans, and that matters because it means jobs, skills and investment for our community.

“This is about doing things properly – laying strong foundations now so that we can unlock long-term opportunities and ensure West Cumbria plays a leading role in the UK’s clean energy future.”

The strong interest at Nuclear Week builds on progress already underway, including the next steps toward developing a Masterplan for the Pioneer Park site.

Local development corporation BEC is leading the process to select an organisation to produce the Masterplan, with the selection phase due to conclude in mid-February.

This work forms part of a £1 million investment to kickstart the development of Pioneer Park, helping move the project from concept to delivery by putting robust planning, engagement and commercial foundations in place.

Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said: “Pioneer Park is a nationally significant opportunity, and it’s encouraging to see the level of interest it generated during Nuclear Week.

“The conversations we’re having with industry show that West Cumbria is seen as a credible and attractive location for clean energy development.

“BEC is leading the selection of the organisation that will produce the Masterplan, ensuring we appoint a team with the right expertise to shape a deliverable, future-focused plan for the site.

“The selection process is now underway and will conclude in mid-February, marking another important milestone for the project.”

Showcasing Pioneer Park in Parliament was about demonstrating that West Cumbria is ready to lead, ready to partner, and ready to deliver.

With growing industry interest, investment secured, and the Masterplanning process moving forward, Pioneer Park is taking confident steps towards becoming a major clean energy hub for the UK.