Contractor named for £4.2m Cleator Moor town centre project

A Cumbrian business has been appointed as the principal contractor for a £4.2m project to revamp Cleator Moor town centre.

Cumberland Council has chosen Story Contracting Ltd to lead the Revitalised Town project in Cleator Moor.

The scheme aims to create a new public services and community hub by linking and refurbishing the existing library and former Credit Union building in the Square.

The hub will feature improved library facilities, an exhibition and arts space, youth activity areas, and a café annexe with a commercial kitchen. Improvements will also be made to the Square to create a more welcoming space.

The project is part of the wider Cleator Moor Town Deal programme, which secured £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund. It is also supported by £475,000 from the Sellafield Impact Investment Fund and £25,000 from Cleator Moor Town Council.

Andy Clode, managing director of Story Contracting Construction Division, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cumberland Council on this exciting new project in Cleator Moor. 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.”

The first phase of the project is expected to start in mid-August and will include asbestos removal and ground investigation.

From Monday August 17, temporary fencing will be installed behind the library and around several trial-hole areas.

The small car park in front of the Town Council offices will close from this date and remain shut for the duration of the project, as it will be used as a construction compound.

During this time, the Friday market and mobile banking service will temporarily relocate to the car park in front of Cleator Moor Civic Hall. The council car park behind the square, on the corner of Cragg Road and Market Street, will remain open throughout the work.

From Monday September 7, the full project site, including the area in front of the library and the existing bus stop, will be fenced off while construction takes place. A temporary bus stop will be provided nearby, and the construction phase is expected to last about 14 months.

As part of the scheme, four new high-quality CCTV cameras will be installed and linked to the Cumbria police network to provide enhanced security. The cameras will be paid for as part of the project, with Cleator Moor Town Council agreeing to cover their ongoing maintenance costs.

Alison Graham, assistant director of customer solutions for Cumberland Council, said: “We are pleased to see this project moving into the next stage with contractors now in place and work due to begin soon. The Revitalised Town project is about bringing important town centre buildings back into use and creating spaces that better meet the needs of the community of Cleator Moor.”

Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see another Town Deal project moving into the delivery phase. The Revitalised Town project has always been about creating a stronger future for Cleator Moor by investing in the heart of the town and providing facilities that meet the needs of local people.”

Tracey West, head of social impact for Sellafield Ltd, said: “We’re proud to support the Revitalised Town project through the Sellafield Impact Investment Fund. 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, said: “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.”

Contractor named for £4.2m Cleator Moor town centre project – Business Crack