By Safira Ali

Last updated at 13:20, Tuesday, 09 March 2010

Work has begun to give part of Whitehaven’s town centre a £500,000 transformation.

The work on Mount Pleasant, which is next to Whitehaven Harbour, includes spaces for outdoor arts activities, new lighting, signs for pedestrians and cyclists and a new planting scheme. The revamp is expected to be complete in June.

The investment is part of the Whitehaven Regeneration Programme to drive forward the regeneration of the area. Mount Pleasant links the historic town and harbour with the Whitehaven Coast area, which has received £1.6m of investment in the public areas at Haig and Saltom Pit.

The project has being supported financially by Copeland Borough Council, Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria, Nuclear Management Partners (on behalf of the Nuclear Funding Partners) and West Cumbria Development Fund.

Councillor Cath Giel, portfolio holder for development at Copeland Council, said: “I am pleased that work on the scheme has started to take place. Mount Pleasant is a prominent area of Whitehaven town centre, and an important link between the Whitehaven Coast and the town centre.

“The project, which has largely been funded thanks to external investment, also shows the commitment our external bodies and our partners to Whitehaven and its future development. Indeed, the Whitehaven Regeneration Programme, and associated plans for regeneration investment in the area will have a major positive impact on Copeland.”

Brian Wilson, Chair of Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria said: “Once completed Mount Pleasant will be a superb public space for people to enjoy, set against the backdrop of a stunning sea view.

“It has been a strong partnership effort to get this far and it will be finished just as the tourism season begins to take off. Britain’s Energy Coast™ is much more than just energy and businesses; it is about making this area an energetic and thriving place to live, relax and visit as well as work.”

Gary McKeating, Head of Socio Economics at NMP, said: “Along with our Funding Partners, NDA and Sellafield Ltd, we are delighted to be supporting this very worthwhile project.

“It is great to see an area like this being transformed into an excellent open space and a superb vantage point. We also very much support the use of local contractors on this project.”

Local contractors Stobbarts have been appointed to carry out the works. A team led by Gillespies were commissioned to design the scheme.

First published at 11:26, Tuesday, 09 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk