Go-ahead for Maryport Wave Centre upgrades

Cumberland Council has greenlit the improvement of facilities at the activity centre, a scheme that forms part of a £11.5m regeneration strategy for the Cumbria town. 

Work on delivering the Wave Centre upgrades, which include an adventure play centre for young children, improvements to the Clip n’ Climb attraction, new multipurpose studio spaces, a community meeting space, party rooms and an improved gym. 

Outside there will be a new bike hub, along with more attractive landscaping. The entrance area will be improved and staff offices moved upstairs to free up space on the ground floor to make space for these new facilities 

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, described the approval of the scheme as a “bold step forwards in the next phase of Maryport’s transformation”. 

“Now it is the turn of the Wave to receive some investment. Local people told us they wanted more facilities for children and young people and that is a key part of what we will do next, at the Wave and on the prom and harbourside generally.  

“We are already well ahead with the renovation of Christ Church and the Carlton, the new Shipping Brow Gallery is open and looking fantastic, all the Love Maryport Living residential scheme properties are now underway, the Boardwalk will be finished soon, and our shop front initiative has brightened up some key high street businesses. 

He added: “We will be lodging more planning applications in January for a splash park, outdoor event space, an improved Shiver Me Timbers play area, and an amazing new promenade café and beach shop. 

“These are exciting times in Maryport.” 

Cumberland Council abandoned its plans to deliver a swimming pool within the Wave Centre in April due to increasing construction and energy costs. The project had a budget of £5.2m in 2021 with the estimated build costs rising to £5.6m in March. 

The approved proposals replace the pool scheme as one of the main projects in the community’s successful £11.5m Future High Streets Fund award in 2021. 

Buttress is the architect behind the Wave project. 

Associate Kimberley Corrall said: “This is good news for Maryport. Planning approval for The Wave represents a significant step forward in the commitment to revitalising the town’s community facilities and contributing to the broader regeneration efforts supported by the Future High Streets Fund.  

“The Wave will play a pivotal role in transforming Maryport Town Centre, aligning with the vision for improved infrastructure, vibrant high streets, and sustained economic vitality.”