£1 million funding boost marks major step forward for Pioneer Park

The next phase of West Cumbria’s clean energy and technology future has taken a major step forward today, as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) confirmed £1 million funding for a masterplan for Pioneer Park – the site on land at Moorside adjacent to Sellafield earmarked for new nuclear development and AI-led growth.

The funding will enable local development company BEC to produce a detailed masterplan for the Pioneer Park site, setting out how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and AI and data centre infrastructure could come together to drive long-term regeneration and jobs.

This announcement follows months of co-ordinated work through the Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP, and involving the NDA, Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd., and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The masterplan will form the foundation for planning, investment and infrastructure decisions through 2026 – moving the project from concept to delivery.

Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said:

“This is a significant milestone in the plan to bring new nuclear to West Cumbria. The masterplan will give us a clear route to deliver clean energy, new technology and long-term jobs for our community.

“West Cumbria led the world in nuclear innovation once before – and with this next step, we’re getting closer to doing it again.”

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said:

“Pioneer Park has the potential to be a flagship project for Britain’s clean energy future.

“This funding is a key step in turning ambition into action – helping local and national partners work together to produce clean energy, deliver new industries, and new opportunities for West Cumbria.”

Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said:

“We are delighted to be leading the Pioneer Park development on behalf of the NDA, Council and MP. The funding being provided by the NDA for the Masterplan will allow us to make early tangible progress.

“The Pioneer Park nuclear development coupled with AI and technology led growth will ultimately be transformational for West Cumbria and will be key to the diversification of our economy, providing a wide range of jobs in our community for many decades to come. BEC will be working tirelessly to make this a reality.”

David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, said:

“The NDA is proud to support this next stage of work at Pioneer Park.

“The project builds on West Cumbria’s unrivalled nuclear expertise while looking firmly to the future – creating opportunities for new technologies, skills and investment that will benefit the local community for generations.”

The Pioneer Park masterplan will build on the findings of the Market Engagement process, which showed strong industry interest in the site as a location for Small Modular Reactors, AI and data centres, and other advanced technology developments. It will also align with Cumberland’s proposal for Pioneer Park to become the UK’s first Nuclear-Powered AI Growth Zone.

If you're interested in knowing more Michael Pemberton will be providing an update at the BECBC Energy Networx in January-click here to find out more.