Egremont

A packed programme of projects is underway in the historic market town of Egremont, led by West Lakes Renaissance and partners the Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership

First impressions last, which is why West Lakes Renaissance is part funding significant improvements to the entrance to Egremont, while at the same time building on the town’s rich heritage.

Under the Gateway Project – which is also funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Copeland Borough Council – work has been carried out to landscape roundabouts on the arterial A595; the creation of a community orchard; and new lighting for the buildings at the nearby cemetery. As part of the project there are also plans to improve the park area around Eregmont’s striking 12th century castle, including recently installed new lighting.

The castle is a unique asset and one which we are seeking to establish as a unique all weather events venue. Creative Egremont a public art collective that comprises of West Lakes Renaissance, Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership and Grizedale Arts, UK Arts Council, and The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) held an international competition to find a striking design for a removable structure that can be used to stage events in the castles central baille.

After receiving scores of entries from top architects, three finalists from across the globe were finally whittled down to one – Jean Gilles Decosterd, from Lausanne, in Switzerland. West Lakes Renaissance is now seeking funding to create this design and truly establish Egremont as a top venue for concerts, plays and other public events.

There are numerous project grants being awarded to businesses in Egremont by West Lakes Renaissance and Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership - in a bid to improve the appearance of the town, with much activity around the Market Square area.

A cycle barn and office development is being created to breathe new life into redundant buildings. Across the road the Age Concern offices have been transformed into the De Lucy Centre – a one-stop-shop for offering town residents advice and support on a wide range of social issues.

West Lakes Renaissance contributed £400,000 towards the total towards the £640,000 community resource centre, which boasts new quality offices for service providers and local businesses; computer and internet access for research and self help; an interview room for drop-in surgeries and a meeting room for training and conferences. The drop-in centre on the ground floor includes an information centre, a large flexible space for events and activities and the opportunity to provide light refreshments.  There is also a full-time co-ordinator responsible for the day-to-day operation of the centre.

It is hoped that within its first three years the centre – which has been created in partnership with Age Concern North West and Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership – will help more than 250 people into a job and assist 50 more to complete vocational training courses.