Millom’s new leisure centre has taken a significant step forward after securing planning permission and approval to award a construction contract to Thomas Armstrong Ltd to build the facility.
Cumberland Council’s Executive approved the contract award on Tuesday (18 February) and the council’s Planning Committee approved the planning application today (Wednesday 19 February).
The new activity and leisure facility also known as Activating Community Health is one of four projects that make up the Millom Town Deal which secured £20.6m from the UK Government’s Town’s Fund alongside match funding.
The Copeland Community Fund has provided £1 million towards the project and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has provided a £3.1 million grant, as part of its investment in supporting permanent and sustainable change in Millom and all its site communities. Funding has also been provided by South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, CGP, Millom School and Millom Town Council.
David Savage, the Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, expressed his delight:
"We have now secured the approvals so that the construction of the long-awaited Leisure Complex can begin. This means plans can be turned into reality, and this new facility will complement the work we have already started with the refurbishment of the 3G Pitch. This is another significant step forward for the Millom Town Deal projects and means we are starting to observe real progress.”
The project will offer a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness studios within the setting of a community and leisure hub.
It aims to improve levels of community health and wellbeing by providing residents with a modern, multi-purpose and fully inclusive facility.
In addition, it would attract visitors to the town which will also support the long-term financial sustainability of this new leisure facility alongside increased footfall and a boost to overall levels of spending within local businesses.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer added:
“The new centre will include a swimming pool, gym, sports halls, and fitness studios, offering a good mix of physical activities for all ages. It will also provide dedicated space for health services and to support residents access essential wellness support locally, fostering a healthier and more connected community.
“Designed with accessibility in mind, it will be a truly inclusive space.”
Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects and momentum continues to build across this transformational programme.
There will be further updates and information on other town deal schemes in due course.
The Millom Town Deal FAQs have been updated and are available at https://millomtowndeal.org.uk/faqs/