Approval for £2m Millom Arts and Enterprise Centre

Efforts are being made to appoint an architect to lead the scheme, which will transform the former Natwest bank on St George’s Road thanks to money drawn from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.

The scheme is part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings project put together by Millom Town Deal which secured £20.6m from the government, as well as £8.7m in match funding.

Plans show a cafe, maker’s market and small retail spaces will be on the ground floor, four start-up business spaces will be on the first floor, and three workshops and studios will be located on the second floor.

Work will include extensions to the building, and demolition of outrigger elements and others not in keeping with the architectural style of the property.

The Millom Town Deal includes a trio of other projects, The Iron Line, Connected Millom, and Haverigg and Activating Community Health.

David Savage, chair of Millom’s Town Deal board, said: “This once in a lifetime investment includes projects which will provide huge benefits for the communities of Millom and Haverigg.

“The arts and enterprise centre is an integral part of the transformation of a forgotten town into something quite extraordinary.

“This news further demonstrates the town deal is now starting to turn plans into a positive change for our community.”

The project team for the development includes WSP, SEED, OPEN and Bernadette Bone Studio.

To view the plans search for reference number 4/23/2246/0F1 on Copeland Council’s planning portal.