|
Positive Progress is the best way to describe the focus of the Town Deal Programme. We have all been eagerly waiting to see some visible evidence that the Town Deal projects are real, and now we can. This Newsletter showcases the progress being made across the Projects - Millom Leisure Centre and The Old Bank. With spades in the ground, scaffolding up, and diggers starting significant groundworks, especially at the Millom Leisure Centre, we can see for ourselves that we are moving forward.
I also wanted to highlight the first Social Value project within the Town Deal Programme, delivered by Thomas Armstrong (main Contractor – Leisure Centre). Social value can come in many forms, often referring to the additional positive effects a project contributes to a community. These benefits may include job creation, enhance community engagement, or offer opportunities for education and skills development, recreation, and health and wellbeing.
In the case of Millom and the long jump, the contractor has provided the long jump at no cost, aiming to support the positive outcomes of the Activating Health Project.
We look forward to providing further updates on the work of our contractors in supporting or delivering other Social Value projects for our community.
David Savage, Millom Town Deal Board Chair
This month, we’re pleased to feature PGM Building Supplies as part of our Subcontractor Spotlight series.
PGM Building Supplies was established in 2016 by Company Directors Gav Shires and Peter Bateman, two industry professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in the builders merchant sector. Gav and Peter saw an opportunity to bring something local, tailored, and customer-focused to the Millom area.
Based on King Street, Millom, PGM has the distinction of being the town’s only locally owned independent builders merchant. The company operates with a close-knit team of five employees, all of whom are Millom residents, ensuring a strong focus on the local community.
PGM supplies a wide range of building and DIY materials, covering everything from construction and joinery to landscaping and garden essentials.
“We are really grateful for all our customers that have supported us over the last 9 years and with a great team effort successfully built the business to what it is today” mentioned Gav & Peter.
“We are happy to have the opportunity to support the local projects that are being carried out in Millom and supplying them with the materials and tools they need. We are working closely with contractors Story Contracting Ltd on The Old Bank and Thomas Armstrong Ltd on Millom’s brand new leisure facility”
|
Big changes are taking shape at Millom Leisure Centre
Big changes are taking shape at Millom Leisure Centre, as part of the Millom Town Deal, as we continue to transform the site for the benefit of the community.
The 3G pitch is now complete and already in use, alongside the new long jump facility, which is nearing final touches. Drainage works on the running track are helping to improve conditions ahead of final landscaping this summer.
|
At the front of the site, demolition is complete and excavation work has begun in the front car park.
Work on the former pool area has also resumed, and preparations are underway for the new leisure centre foundations and utility connections. Exciting changes are taking shape. Stay tuned for more updates.
We envisage the facility will be open to the public in Autumn 2026.
|
Jumping for joy for new Millom sports facility
 A new full-length, Sport England compliant, long jump facility has been installed at Millom School as part of the town’s wider regeneration project.
Linking in with the building of the Town Deal funded Community Leisure Centre, the main contractor - Thomas Armstrong - has relocated and installed a long jump facility for the benefit of the school and community.
The previous facility was moved for the leisure centre's construction, and the new one is now next to the Millom Community track.
The new long jump will be used by students during school hours and be open to the community outside of school times in line with the operating arrangements for the Millom Community Track.
In celebration, Millom Striders Running Club hosted a special coaching session on Tuesday 22 July for juniors aged 8 - 16 years old, led by English Athletics National Jump Coach, Carl Foster.
Social value refers to the additional positive effects a project contributes to a community. These may include benefits such as job creation, enhancing community engagement, or offering opportunities for education and skills development, recreation and health and wellbeing.
In the case of Millom and the long jump, the contractor has provided the long jump at no cost, aiming to support the positive outcomes of the Activating Health Project.
Photo credit: Stuart Walker
New operator sought for Millom Leisure Centre
The process of finding an operator for our new leisure centre is now underway and marks another important milestone for our Activating Community Health project.
Millom Leisure Centre is part of a wider search for an operator which will also include other Cumberland leisure centres including Maryport Activity Centre, Cockermouth Leisure Centre, Workington Leisure Centre, Whitehaven Sports Centre, Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre and Cleator Moor Activity Centre.
The new activity and leisure facility is one of four projects that make up the Millom Town Deal which secured £20.6m from the UK Government’s Town’s Fund alongside match funding.
The Copeland Community Fund has provided £1 million towards the project and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has provided a £3.1 million grant, as part of its investment in supporting permanent and sustainable change in Millom and all its site communities. Funding has also been provided by South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, CGP, Millom School and Millom Town Council.
The project will offer a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness studios within the setting of a community and leisure hub.
It aims to improve levels of community health and wellbeing by providing residents with a modern, multi-purpose and fully inclusive facility.
In addition, it would attract visitors to the town which will also support the long-term financial sustainability of this new leisure facility alongside increased footfall and a boost to overall levels of spending within local businesses.
Are you wondering what’s going on behind the scaffolding at The Old Bank in Millom?
Over the past few weeks, major refurbishment work has been underway as part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings project - and there’s been real progress. One of the most exciting developments has been the installation of new solar panels by Cumbrian specialists Love Solar. These panels are a long-term, sustainable energy solution designed to reduce energy bills and significantly cut carbon emissions. They also generate fewer air pollutants than fossil fuels, helping to create a cleaner, greener future for Millom.
|
As part of the Reactivating Heritage Buildings project, Millom is embracing an exciting future by bringing derelict, vacant, and underused heritage spaces back to life. At the heart of this transformation is the former NatWest bank, soon to become a focal point that will boost creativity, collaboration, and local enterprise.
One of the standout features is the old vault door - still firmly in place and staying that way. We’re welding it open and turning the entrance into a server’s hatch for the new café. The vault room behind it was one of the first big demolition tasks for the team. It took a few days to break through all the steel and concrete (remember all that noise?). This whole area will form part of the new café extension.
We’ve also uncovered one of the original fireplaces on the second floor. It’s one of the few left in the building and will be carefully removed, cleaned, and reinstalled - bringing a bit of the building’s old warmth and character into its future use.
In the arts and crafts area on the ground floor, we’re keeping the old safe as a feature too. It's a solid reminder of the building's history - even if, disappointingly, we didn’t find any forgotten fortunes inside!
As work progresses we are uncovering parts of the building’s story were excited to preserve and share.
|
Iron Line Public Engagement
Thank you to everyone who attended last month’s Iron Line Public Engagement and Meet the Contractor event. Your presence and input are a vital part of shaping what’s to come.
The Iron Line is about reimagining the old railway and Hodbarrow Reserve as an accessible walking and cycling route - connecting people to nature, local heritage, and the local community.
This short video explains the vision behind the project, how it’s being developed, and what it will mean for Millom, Haverigg, and future visitors.
Watch the video to learn more about how the Iron Line will support wellbeing, celebrate local identity, and create new opportunities - all with sustainability at its heart.
|
Yarn Bombing surprise at the Old Bank
A lovely surprise has appeared outside the Old Bank, currently under development, in Millom - a bit of yarn bombing, thanks to some very kind and creative crochet fairies!
As part of the Millom Town Deal works, this unexpected burst of colour has brightened up the site and brought plenty of smiles. Even a Story Contracting construction worker got their own woolly tribute - along with a thoughtful poem to mark the moment.
To whoever took the time to make and place these, thank you. Crocheting is knot just a hobby; it’s a way of life!
|
Pop up event – HMP Haverigg
We recently held a fantastic Millom Town Deal pop-up event for the staff of HMP Haverigg.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and showed their support.
We’re planning more workplace-based events over the summer and we look forward to connecting with even more of you soon!
|
The new 3G pitch at Millom School is now live and ready to book!
If you’re a local club, group, or just fancy a game with friends – you can now check availability and request a slot online.
Here’s how to book:
 Visit the website
Check the pitch calendar for available slots
Follow the instructions to request your booking and complete the booking form
Get on the pitch and make the most of this fantastic new facility!
|
|
