Destination Maryport

Maryport is being repositioned as a centre for high-quality tourism and leisure. An exciting new visitor centre, Destination Maryport will help to attain this goal by providing space for exhibitions, performances, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

Located near to the picturesque harbour, Destination Maryport will not just become a significant tourist draw for Maryport but also for the Western Lake District and the West Coast of Cumbria.

The scheme is being run by Allerdale Borough Council, with project management and services provided by West Lakes Renaissance. More than £3 million has been channelled into the exciting project, which will house a local heritage exhibition, improved visitor information services and boast performance space for events such as The Maryport Blues Festival – an event which continues to draw big names from the Blues scene and hundreds of locals and visitors alike.

In a hectic 12 month period the project has progressed from the feasibility stage to funding, design, planning, and the tender process to find a company to complete the build. Work is expected to be completed in March 2008 and the centre open in time for the start of the tourist season a month or so later.

Funding for the scheme has been channelled through the European Regional Development Fund, The Maryport Heritage Trust, The West Cumbria Development Fund, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd and Allerdale Borough Council.

A portion of the £3 million secured has also gone to the nearby The Senhouse Museum, allowing the Roman attraction to upgrade its exhibition; and to improving the ageing tourism signage across the town.

With these significant developments adding to the quality attractions that have already established themselves in and around Maryport, such has The Lake District Coast Aquarium; these are exciting times for the industrial town’s future.