Cumberland unveils updated vision for Maryport

Proposals for a BMX track and splash park replace pulled plans for a swimming pool at The Wave Centre, part of the town’s £14m regeneration effort.

Cumberland Council has announced a new swathe of investment plans for Maryport, including an outdoor event space near the town’s harbour and improvements to The Wave Centre off Irish Street.

Proposals, which aim to enhance the town’s high street, harbour, and promenade, would see the creation of a promenade café, beach café, and a bike hub on the seafront.

The council also hopes to provide improved play facilities for children, with upgrades to the Shiver Me Timbers playground, as well as the provision of a new adventure playground for young children inside The Wave Centre.

For older children, the council wants to build a splash park, as well as a specialist track for skateboarders and BMX riders.

A flexible outdoor space would be delivered near the harbour, with the intention to turn the area into a dedicated event space, suitable for outside performances or markets.

Finally, The Wave Centre would be upgraded with an improved gym, along with a new adventure soft play area.

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “We have a plan for Maryport that will appeal to all our community – from children to the more mature in years.

“We can see the affection and enthusiasm everyone who knows Maryport has for the prom and the harbour, and we have listened when people told us there was not enough for young people to do, so we hope these initiatives will make some new destinations that everyone can enjoy.”

Cumberland Council abandoned its plans to deliver a swimming pool within the leisure 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 fresh 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.

As the project will be funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund, proposals will need to be approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.

Subject to approval, the council anticipates that the scheme will be completed by summer 2024.