Locals and visitors alike have helped to inspire new investment plans for Maryport which aim to enhance and develop three of its biggest assets - the town’s high street, harbour and promenade.
The project plans include a splash park and BMX and skate track, an outdoor event space near the harbourside and a new foodie destination on the prom, as well as improvements to the Wave Centre. Designed to have something to appeal to every age group, and with a new wayfinding scheme to tie them all together, the developments will be completed by Summer 2024 – if the Government gives the go-ahead.
The revised proposals now need to be approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which is providing the funding for the project, and the Council is in the process of drawing up plans to ensure things can happen as quickly as possible if the green light is given. To meet the terms of the Government funding, the project must improve the experience for those living in and visiting the town, drive growth and ensure Maryport’s future viability and Cumberland Council is optimistic that the new masterplan fits that criteria.
The new plans bring four key projects together in a scheme which will tie the waterfront to the town centre.
The most popular proposal with those responding to the consultation was a new promenade café, beach shop and a bike hub which could be created on the site of a disused toilet block. This would bring a new attraction to Maryport’s seafront.
Improved play facilities for younger and older children were the second most popular option in the consultation. As a result, a splash park could be built, and a specialist track for skateboarders and BMX riders. An upgrade to Shiver Me Timbers playground and a new adventure playground for young children inside the Wave are also part of the proposals.
The consultation’s third most popular project is the creation of a flexible outdoor event space near the Aquarium and harbour. The plan is to turn this area into a dedicated event space, suitable for outside performances or markets, which will complement the indoor venue being created at The Carlton on Senhouse Street.
The fourth aspect of the plans is an upgrade to the Wave, including the existing gym, a more exciting Clip n’ Climb, the new adventure soft play area, and multipurpose spaces which could be used by all ages.
The developments will be funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
The Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said: “We have a plan for Maryport which will appeal to all our community – from children to the more mature in years. We can see the affection and enthusiasm everyone who knows Maryport has for the prom and the harbour, and we have listened when people told us there was not enough for young people to do, so we hope these initiatives will make some new destinations that everyone can enjoy.
“I am hoping for a swift decision from Government which will allow us to forge ahead with a great development.”