Egremont to get £3m regeneration boost
Cumberland Council will invest in the transformation of a central brownfield site to a plaza-facing community hub, improvements to the Florence Arts Centre, and a scheme to facilitate travel across the town.
The funding for the £3m investment has been secured from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which has committed up to £50m to the regional Borderlands Place Programme, from both the UK and Scottish governments.
A public consultation on the three improvements will run from 8 October to 22 October.
The investment seeks to revitalise Egremont’s Main Street. Credit: via consultation documents
The former Red Lion pub site
Under the deal, the empty brownfield site off Egremont’s Main Street would be redeveloped into a new central public space for the town.
The Red Lion pub was demolished in 2020, and on its footprint, Cumberland Council is set to deliver ArkleBoyce and Re-form’s designs for a community building facing a plaza with a central water feature and a children’s play area.
- View the consultation documents here.
Gateway buildings facing Main Street could host a café, workshop, or retail unit to create a welcoming entrance to the plaza.
A vacant building at the rear of the site is also set to be redeveloped into a multi-use space, studios, and workshops.
A flexible performance space is part of the plan for the existing arts centre. Credit: via consultation documents
Florence Arts Centre
Born from the Florence Mine buildings, the Florence Arts Centre hosts families, exhibitions, and arts courses for the town.
Under the growth deal, the centre will be refurbished, given a larger 40-capacity car park and more artist studios.
In addition, a new performance space to host music and shows will have moveable walls, giving the centre flexibility for events of different sizes and requirements.
The performance space would be linked to an expanded café with outdoor seating facing a small playground and a shop selling local artwork.
Finally, the scheme includes a refreshment of the old iron ore mine buildings by reorienting space, removing asbestos, and providing consistent heating and hot water throughout the building.
Connecting Egremont
Although still under development, the scheme aims to explore ways of attracting more people into Egremont’s centre.
Suggestions include a Town Trail to encourage exploration, clearer signage along Main Street, EV charging points, and a safe road crossing opposite the Red Lion pub site.
- BOOK NOW: Place RESI 2025
Cllr Sam Pollen, Chair of Egremont Town Team, said: “Securing this investment is a huge win for Egremont.
“These proposals reflect the town’s potential and the passion of its people. I encourage everyone to come along, see how the designs have progressed, and help us refine them with their feedback.”
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, added: “This is a major milestone for Egremont. We’re now in a position to share and progress ambitious plans that will breathe new life into the town.
“I’m excited to see how these projects evolve and the positive impact they’ll have on the community.”
