Maryport’s main shopping street has reopened to traffic today (Thursday 21 March) after extensive works to create a new gateway to the town.
Senhouse Street was closed so that the road and its parking could be upgraded and reconfigured, with improvements made to its public realm too. Cluttered street furniture has been removed and new signage and planters are due to be installed.
Cumberland Council, which has managed the project, has also taken the opportunity to demolish and make safe the Bakehouse building which was badly damaged by fire. Though it is only a small building, this turned into a big project as the extent of the destruction was revealed by the contractors and props put in place to shore the adjoining walls up.
In order to keep the public and workforce safe as the Bakehouse is cleared out, the section of pavement in front of the building will remain closed for a few more weeks and temporary planters have been put in place to prevent fly-parking. In addition, the parking spaces on that section of the street will be temporarily suspended to ensure traffic can continue to flow freely while contractors’ cabins remain on site.
All the public realm improvements have been managed by Cumberland Council and made possible by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. The work on the Bakehouse has been undertaken by Cumberland Council after the property owners failed to comply with a Court Order instructing them to do the works. The costs for carrying out the works will be sought from the owners.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“I think this new gateway to Maryport looks fantastic and will get even better as we put in planters and signage over the coming weeks. We are already exploring options for what could happen next on the Bakehouse site to ensure this hole in the high street is filled. We will do our best to make it look as tidy and attractive as possible in the meantime.
“Thanks to Thomas Armstrong Group, who completed the road works, and to Stobbarts Ltd, who are responsible for clearing the Bakehouse, for liaising so closely to ensure minimal disruption for everyone involved. It is great to see two very local companies and their subcontractors working together in harmony like this.
“I am sorry for any inconvenience caused by this temporary road closure but, as we reach key stages in the £12 million regeneration of buildings and sites across Maryport, I know the upheaval will all be worth it.”
Until all the on-street parking is available, Mill Street Car Park is a good alternative. Parking is free for two hours. Parking discs are available from Maryport Town Hall, Maryport Library, Maryport News, the temporary Maritime Museum at the junction of Curzon Street and Senhouse Street, Maryport Banking Hub and Heron Foods.