Regeneration projects

We are currently leading on two major regeneration projects in the borough.

Towns Fund

We were invited by the Government to bid for up to £25 million for Millom and Cleator Moor.

In November 2022 The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced both Town Deal bids had been successful. 

Millom received £20.6 million and Cleator Moor £22.5 million.

View the Towns Deal Boards Code of Coduct Policy

Levelling Up - Round 2

We successfully bid for £20 million for the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) Enterprise Campus. You can access our successful bid here.

The £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund contributes to the levelling up agenda by investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centre and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.

A total of 111 areas have been awarded a share of £2.1 billion from Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund.

An interactive map outlining the spread of funding across the UK can be found on the Levelling Up campaign page.

Coastal Programme

As part of our economic development programme we are delivering a coastal programme aimed at improving visitor infrastructure and activities along the coast to create new visitor demand, strengthen the coastal destination offer and increase sustainable employment opportunities.

The funded programme delivers as part of our regeneration and place making agenda and supports improved health and wellbeing. We set out to:

• Connect and reconnect people with the coast by developing key infrastructure to increase enjoyment of and activity within the natural environment, its’ culture and heritage.
• Support local tourism businesses through increased visitors, year-round footfall and longer stays.
• Support the enhancement of health and well-being of both residents and visitors through greater participation in outdoor activity, including for those with limited mobility.
• Make the most of the English Coast Path, National Cycle Route 72, coastal rail service and the two World Heritage Site designations.

To date we have received funding from Coastal Communities Fund, Sellafield Ltd and Arts Council England

What we have delivered so far:

• Construction of a new beach café at Silecroft.
• Muncaster Castle supported to install a new adventure playground: Play Areas at Muncaster Castle | Yeti Adventure Quarry, Adventure Playground, Enchanted Trail
• Inclusive cycling events and taster sessions in Whitehaven and Millom
• Tale Trails maps have been created for Whitehaven, Ravenglass and St Bees Story Maps and Walks Exploring Heritage, Wildlife & Folkore (taletrails.co.uk)
• Supported delivery of the upgraded Eskdale Trail and footpaths at St Bees.
• Launched the Run the Edge event which Millom Striders are now delivering annually.

Coastal art is being launched throughout 2024, first piece revealed was Chronos Kairos, 23:59 at Seascale, by Turner prize winner Ryan Gander

Resulting in:

• Two new jobs created.
• Two new tourism facilities created.
• Two new tourism events created.
• Over 25,000m2 public realm improved.
• £1.6M grant funding secured for the coast

Still to come in 2024

More artworks will be revealed along our coast throughout the year.

The new café facility at Silecroft Beach is almost complete and we are currently looking for an operator. Opening date will be announced as soon as possible.

Future Plans

We are working hard to deliver even more.

Landmark Art - Your Daylight Destination

Discussions are ongoing to secure the Olafur Eliasson landmark artwork, Your Daylight Destination and updates will be provided on this page, as they happen.

More Public Art

We are also looking to extend the public art north along the coast and are currently working to secure additional funding for this project.