Maryport Townscape Heritage Initiative
A five-year programme of works, called the Maryport Townscape
Heritage Initiative and costing a total of £3.65 million,
is helping to transform the face of Maryport and
revitalise the historic-core of the town’s centre. The scheme
was launched in April 2007 and is proving extremely
popular.
The Initiative comprises the following three elements:
1. Renovation works to key buildings
The scheme focuses on the renovation of key derelict and empty
properties that have been identified within the town centre
conservation area.
Owners of identified buildings have, and will, receive
financial help towards the costs of renovation works, which must be
completed to strict standards. All the renovation works will use
high-quality, traditional materials and techniques in order to
maintain the character of the conservation area.
It is hoped that in renovating the properties, new businesses will
be attracted to the town and will create up to 19 new jobs for
local people.
2. Environmental enhancements
Shipping Brow is to benefit from environmental enhancements,
such as new paving and street furniture. The Council is working
with Capita Symonds to design and implement a scheme, which uses
high quality, natural materials and is in keeping with the heritage
and character of the area. View the
proposed designs for Shipping Brow.
3. Training opportunities
A number of workshops and training days are being held
over the first three years of the scheme for local contractors and
students at Maryport Settlement and run by The Scottish Lime Centre
Trust. These events are looking at the use of traditional
materials and techniques in the repair of historic buildings. The
training provides opportunities for local contractors and
apprentices to complete specialist qualifications in conservation
and historic building repair. In the longer term, it is envisaged
that in providing this specialist training, local contractors will
be better equipped to maintain and repair the town’s historic
buildings.
The Maryport Townscape Heritage Initiative is funded by
Allerdale Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the North
West Development Agency and West Lakes Renaissance, as well as
contributions from the private investment of property owners.
Joe Milburn, Leader of the Council, said: “This is an exciting time
for Maryport. The Maryport Townscape Heritage Initiative will play
a central part in the continued regeneration of the town and help
safeguard and improve the historic town-centre environment for
visitors, local businesses and residents alike. This confirms our
commitment to Maryport.“
The Maryport Townscape Heritage Initiative is part of the wider
West Allerdale Regeneration programme, a coordinated approach to
the regeneration of West Cumbria in which Allerdale Borough Council
is working with West Lakes Renaissance and other partners to
deliver projects such as Destination Maryport and the renovation of
the old BIP factory in Maryport. The Maryport Townscape Heritage
Initiative also complements the group-repair schemes currently
underway in Maryport, managed by Allerdale Borough Council’s
housing services.
Joe Broomfield, Allerdale Borough Council’s Townscape Heritage
Initiative Officer, said: “Nowhere is Maryport’s heritage better
showcased than in the town centre conservation area, where there
are some fantastic examples of Georgian and Victorian buildings and
streetscapes. Through high-quality renovation work to key
properties and areas of the public realm, the Maryport Townscape
Heritage Initiative will revitalise Maryport town centre, not only
creating new business opportunities and jobs, but helping to
protect and enhance the historic built environment for both present
and future generations.”
For further information contact Joe Broomfield, Allerdale Borough
Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative Officer, on 01900 702568 or
email Building.Conservation@allerdale.gov.uk
An example of a property to benefit from the scheme is shown
below:
Latest News
See the latest news
page for recent news and developments on the
project.
Environmental improvements to Shipping Brow are available to
view online.
View the proposed designs for Shipping Brow.