Last updated at 16:02, Tuesday, 28 October 2008

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Millom Palladium may be turned into a supermarket and arts facility HOWARD SHIMMIN REF: 0328517

A SUPERMARKET could replace a century old Millom landmark.
Millom and Haverigg Economic Development Group has begun negotiations to replace Millom Palladium with a branch of the budget supermarket chain Netto.
MHEDG director Brian Crawford said talks are in the early stages and nothing is “signed and sealed” but confirmed that the supermarket has made a proposition.
As part of the deal, Netto says it will also build a arts/youth facility on the site.
Mr Crawford explained:
“Supermarket chain Netto has made a proposition that could enable the Millom and Haverigg Economic Development Group to build a new arts/youth and community centre in Millom.
“Representatives of the MHEDG, in a meeting held with Millom Town Council on Wednesday October 1, agreed to enter into negotiations with the developers from Netto.
“Nothing is signed and sealed – the negotiations are still in their initial phase.
“This is an opportunity not to be missed.
“Netto have been interested in expanding into this area for some time and had been looking for suitable land on which to build a low-cost food outlet.”
The Palladium building is owned by the MHEDG, but the surrounding land is owned by several different organisations.
According to MHEDG, Cumbria County Council is responsible for part of the land, along with private company Land Securities Trillium.
Copeland Borough Council also says it owns a section of land behind the Palladium.
All the organisations would have to transfer the land to MHEDG before any proposals could go through.
The land also houses the disused Job Centre Plus, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and a cottage, located immediately next to the Palladium.
Owner of the Church View cottage, Bob Thompson, 62, has lived in the house with his wife Chris for 10 years.
He said: “The Palladium must come down. It is absolutely rotten. A supermarket there would be convenient for me because I can’t walk very far.
“Cars park on the land anywhere they want and sometimes you can’t get in. A supermarket car park with defined bays would be great for me. It is brilliant.”
Millom Cricket Club is also based next to the Palladium and uses the land as an entry point.
The club’s secretary, Nigel Dawson, refused to comment.
The design for any new building will be revealed following consultation with Millom Amateur Operatic Society, which uses the Palladium to rehearse, Millom Town Council, Copeland Borough Council and the general public.
Chairman of Millom Amateur Operatic Society and MHEDG director, Kevin McNally, said: “We would welcome any proposals that get us a theatre.
“It is not 100 per cent certain, but the whole of Millom would support any idea for a new arts centre.”
Millom town councillor Doug Wilson is a member of the MHEDG as a representative of the council.
He said: “Any development on that site should go to public consultation.
“That is my main concern. It should be of benefit to the whole community.”

Have your say - Should a Netto supermarket replace Milom Palladium?

First published at 12:30, Friday, 24 October 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk