Two planning applications have been submitted which would give an array of improvements to an important green space in Workington and widen a key section of one of the town’s main roads.
Both are part of the Workington Gateway initiative, a key regeneration project for the town.
One application involves the upgrade of pedestrian and cycle routes through Hall Park, which surrounds historic Workington Hall. If it is approved, their surfaces will be changed from rough gravel to a hard surface, allowing greater accessibility for Park users. In addition, the main entrances to the parkland will be improved – one near the skate park on Stainburn Road, and the other at Ladies Walk, off Bridge Street.
The second application involves the widening of Hall Brow to enhance connectivity between the A66 and employment sites in the north of the town. This is the road which runs between Workington’s police headquarters and Hall Park. It is narrow and congested, causing issues for residents, and can be a tight squeeze for buses and HGVs.
This planning application proposes widening the road, which means a long stretch of wall needs to be moved. If permission is granted, this will be moved further into Hall Park and completely rebuilt in its traditional style. In addition, crucial parking for residents will be formalised and a new pedestrian crossing created, giving improved access between the Park and the local network of pathways.
Hall Park is Grade II listed so a planning application is required to make the changes.
The Workington Gateway project is a £10 million scheme investing in local regeneration and infrastructure. It will also deal with the pinch point where the A66 and A596 meet at Ramsay Brow, next to the Magistrates Court. This will reduce freight times and the impact on communities from HGV traffic. The junction is being reconfigured to enable larger vehicles to navigate the route. In addition, the project will improve local cycling and walking connections, address safety issues and provide feature lighting of Workington Hall. West House social enterprise will also create a centre and cafe in the Park’s walled garden to provide horticultural training and employability skills for adults with learning disabilities.
Workington Gateway is just one of number of regeneration projects in the town which are benefiting from £33 million of funding. They include a new Sports Village and an Innovation Centre business facility, as well as a logistics and energy hub at the Port of Workington. The town’s public realm will be also be enhanced, and a Digital Accelerator Hub at Lakes College has already opened to benefit thousands of students.
The planning application for Hall Park is available to view on Cumberland Council's planning portal.
The planning application for Hall Brow can also be found on Cumberland Council's planning portal.