MAJOR plans to create a hub for 100 nuclear workers in Millom have been revealed.

Under the proposals by Sellafield, the town’s library would be regenerated and converted into offices, subject to negotiations and consultation.

The aim is to create flexible workspace for employees of all Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group businesses.

Rather than being permanently based in the building, workers will use it as a ‘touchdown’ hub.

This will create additional options for people who live south of the Sellafield site.

It also aims to reduce pressure on the county’s roads and contribute to a lowering of carbon emissions by cutting the number of car journeys to and from Sellafield.

Paul Foster, chief executive of Sellafield Ltd, said: “Creating a hub in Millom has long been an aspiration of ours and I’m delighted to see it coming to fruition.

“Moving people off the Sellafield site frees up valuable space for decommissioning and reduces the number of vehicles on the roads."

The company is exploring the move with Cumbria County Council.

Considerable work will be required to upgrade the building. Work is ongoing to finalise the lease arrangements, secure the relevant approvals, and implement governance arrangements.

The county council will be carrying out engagement sessions with library customers and staff to ensure their views are incorporated into any changes to its location.

The Millom hub plan is part of Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s accommodation and social impact strategies.

Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie said: “Maximising the economic impact of Sellafield beyond the site gates is essential.

“This is a landmark move that represents the biggest development in Millom for a generation."

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: "Relocating Sellafield jobs across the community is an essential building block of the regeneration of towns and villages throughout Copeland and I look forward to working with nuclear partners."

Copeland Council’s current customer services centre is currently located in Millom Library on St George’s Road and is open four days a week.

As tenants it has confirmed it will relocate to another base in town once Sellafield Ltd’s plans progress.

Millom Hub, on Salthouse Road, is the council’s preferred location and consultations are currently taking place.

Copeland Council is inviting users to send their views to communications@copeland.gov.uk.