Masterplan to regenerate Copeland

Cumbria County Council's Local Committee recently heard about the Masterplan which is set to regenerate Copeland. The Pow Beck Valley and Coastal Fringe economic initiative is the biggest single project the Cumbria County Council is involved in for Copeland at present. 

The Masterplan looks at how all partners can build on the successful renaissance of Whitehaven Town Centre by regenerating the Pow Beck Valley and Coastal Fringe area of South Whitehaven which would create employment and investment opportunities. It looks at ways to develop successful, prosperous and sustainable residential communities and how Whitehaven can increase it's role as a tourism and visitor destination. 

This will be achieved by   

• Developing the coastal fringe and Haig Mining museum as a successful visitor destination, in addition to what the town already has on offer. The possibility of the last locomotive to be constructed at the Lowca Engine Works being returned from its current base at Haverthwaite to Copeland and the Haig Pit where it could run on a short stretch of track in conjunction with an existing smaller diesel engine and the Pit's original locomotive crane. 
• Regenerating communities at Woodhouse and Greenbank by encouraging new housing investment, creating a greater diversity of housing types and tenure, investing in current housing stock and improving streets and spaces 
• Supporting the community at Kells through investments in improved local facilities and public realm enhancement 
• Creating opportunities for retail, leisure, recreation and employment development within Pow Beck Valley 
• Implementing area wide open space and environmental improvement projects incorporating cycle and pedestrian routes    

County Councillor Ronnie Calvin, Chairman of Copeland Local Committee says 

"Whitehaven has for many years seen industrial decline and neglect. Unfortunately, unemployment in this area is very high and many jobs have been lost in recent years from local industries, however there are still opportunities for further development and investment within this area. This study has identified areas, which can improve the physical and social environment of the area. Working in very close partnership with the Borough Council this Committee's Economic Sub-Group was in a unique position to be able to identify the needs of the area, support local economic initiatives and promote and contribute to a wider strategic approach. It is our responsibility just as much as the Borough Council to regenerate this area for the benefit of the people of Copeland. This is a fantastic Masterplan for Whitehaven. This Committee contributed £10k to the feasibility study last year and we will do all we can to make this work. I am delighted to see this come forward giving all partners the opportunity to work together. It is a classic example of addressing problems in areas such as this and I hope that this can be a model that can be replicated elsewhere. It is a tribute to all partners involved."