Plans revealed for Maryport Harbour

The proposals for a multi-million pound development of Maryport Harbour were unveiled this week.

Several options for the scheme were drawn up by DTZ and put on display for the public to comment at The Wave Centre.

Potential development of the harbour could include a restaurant, hotel, supermarket, cafe and houses built on the harbour, as well as a public events space between Senhouse Dock and Elizabeth Dock.

An essential part of the plan is a water impoundment scheme and there are four options.

Two would consist of impounding the full harbour including the River Ellen. These include the most expensive option at £33m.

A £31m option would be similar except the River Ellen would become isolated.

A £27m option would see the building of a quay wall from South Pier to Elizabeth Dock, which would create a large impounded area but would divide access.

The cheapest option, costing £19m, was a minimal scheme and this would impound water in the Elizabeth Dock.

Residents and business people were asked to fill in a questionnaire while observing the plans. The preferred option will be worked up in more detail and the consultants will come back in early summer to consult on the final masterplan before the planning process begins.

Work to develop the harbour has been ongoing.