A new £2million project in Millom has been given the go ahead as part of the town's ongoing redevelopment.

Planning permission has now been granted for the scheme which will see a former bank transformed into an arts and enterprise centre.

The property in St George’s Road will play host to a range of facilities including a cafe, maker’s market, small retail spaces, workshops and studios.

David Savage, chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “This is great news for Millom and a big step forward for this scheme - this once in a lifetime investment includes projects which will provide huge benefits for the communities of Millom and Haverigg.

“The Arts and Enterprise Centre is an integral part of the transformation of a forgotten town into something quite extraordinary."

The development is part of Millom Town Deal’s Reactivating Heritage Buildings project.

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The deal was awarded £20.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund with an additional £8.7 million secured in match funding. 

"This news further demonstrates the Town Deal is now starting to turn plans into a positive change for our community," Mr Savage added.

The scheme includes three further projects: The Iron Line, Connected Millom and Haverigg and Activating Community Health.

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The work at the former bank will include the demolition of some extensions of the property which are not in keeping with its architectural style.

The cafe, maker's market and retail spaces will be located on the ground floor, the next level will house a number of start-up business lots, and the workshops and studios will be found on the second floor.

Work is now underway to appoint an architect for the scheme as progress ramps up in the area.