Story to build £4.2m Cleator Moor community hub
Cumberland Council has appointed its principal contractor for the project, which will see the linking of the grade two-listed former Credit Union building and library to create 10,800 sq ft facility with exhibition spaces, a youth activities area, and café.
The Cleator Moor community hub will host improved library facilities for residents. The programme of work also features a series of public realm improvements including the restoration of the area’s memorial fountain and the installation of four CCTV cameras.
Story Construction is to start work later this month on the hub with the removal of asbestos and more ground investigations. The build programme is expected to take 14 months, concluding in October 2027.
Andy Clode, managing director of Story Contracting’s construction division, said: “As a Cumbrian-based business with our teams all living locally, it’s really important that our town centres are revitalised and our public spaces are attractive places to live and visit.
“We are also looking forward to working with local communities and schools to deliver our social value programme alongside the project.”
Funding for the £4.2m project comes from the council’s £22.5m Towns Fund award for Cleator Moor, as well as £475,000 from the Sellafield Impact Investment Fund and £25,000 from Cleator Moor Town Council.
Reflecting on Sellafield’s involvement, the company’s head of social impact, Tracey West, said: “This investment reflects our commitment to helping create thriving and resilient communities across West Cumbria.
“It’s encouraging to see the project moving into the construction phase and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for the people of Cleator Moor for many years to come.”
Steve Richardson, town clerk for Cleator Moor Town Council, added: “This is a very exciting time for Cleator Moor, and the completed project will benefit residents’ visitors and workers alike.
“The short-term pain while the project takes shape will be well worth it when completed. The Town Council have fully supported the Revitalised Town Project along with the other Town deal initiatives coming to fruition in the town.”
Day Cummins and A L Daines & Partners are working with the council on the community hub. To learn more about the scheme, search references 4/23/2253/0L1 and 4/23/2275/0F1 on Cumberland Council’s planning portal.
