A local contractor has been appointed to undertake the design and build of the Iron Line, an exciting project within the Millom Town Deal programme that will bring an accessible and inspiring coastal corridor to Millom and Haverigg.
Working closely with the Millom Town Deal Board and Cumberland Council, Story Contracting will help turn the ambitious plans for the Iron Line into a reality, enhancing the area’s natural beauty and creating lasting benefits for the community and visitors.
The £10 million Iron Line project is set to create an inspiring coastal pathway across the RSPB Hodbarrow Reserve, featuring more than seven kilometers of enhanced walking and cycling routes.
This fully accessible route will connect residents and visitors with the natural beauty of Millom’s and Haverigg’s coastal landscape while encouraging outdoor recreation and healthy living. This inclusive pathway will be complemented by a new welcome centre with café, multi-purpose events room, and parking for approximately eighty vehicles.
David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said:
“This appointment represents a significant step forward for the Iron Line. We are excited to see Story Contracting join the team to bring this inspiring vision to life. The Iron Line will display our town’s beautiful coastline and create spaces for community connection, recreation, and culture. We are making real progress toward the kind of positive change that will have lasting benefits for Millom and Haverigg.
“This marks an exciting milestone as the Iron Line, part of the Millom Town Deal programme, moves forward from concept to reality.”
The Iron Line is part of the Millom Town Deal, a programme that secured £20.6 million in November 2022 with an additional £8.7 million in match funding, aiming to foster economic growth, health, and community well-being across the area.
This funding will support four transformative projects: the Iron Line, Activating Community Health, Reactivating Heritage Buildings, and Connecting Millom and Haverigg.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer welcomed the appointment of a local contractor. He said:
“It is great that our supply chain is once again supporting the delivery of another transformational scheme. This is one of many schemes being delivered in Cumberland and we look forward to seeing it become a reality.”
Upon completion, the Iron Line project will deliver:
- Over 300,000 square meters of improved greenspace and outdoor areas
- 150,000 square meters of rehabilitated land
- 7.5 kilometers of improved or new walking and cycling paths
- Restoration of Hodbarrow Beacon, a significant heritage feature
- A new community hub welcome centre
- Eighty additional parking spaces
- Six art installations along the route
- 120 trees planted
- Eight new jobs at the welcome centre, with up to twenty-six jobs supported during construction.
Cumberland Council is inviting interest from potential operators to manage the day-to-day operations of the new welcome centre and café.
A full operator procurement process will launch soon, the council encourages local businesses and community members to consider this exciting opportunity, aligning with its commitment to fostering economic growth and regeneration in Millom and Haverigg.
The Millom Town Deal Board and Cumberland Council remain committed to delivering the Town Deal projects for the benefit of the Millom and Haverigg communities.
For more information and updates, please visit: www.millomtowndeal.org.uk