West Cumbria is undergoing an exciting renaissance.

West Lakes Renaissance is leading on a package of projects that will breathe new life into the major urban settlements of Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport and revitalise smaller market towns such as Egremont, Cleator Moor and Millom.

These projects revolve around diversifying the economy of an area which has long relied on a few major employers for its prosperity; while at the same time improving the opportunities for local people, whether in terms of jobs, improved services or simply helping to renew pride within our communities.

To do this we are building on our successes while grasping new opportunities that arise. The nuclear decommissioning process at Sellafield has led to West Lakes Renaissance and its partners to draw up the Energy Coast Masterplan™ - a package of projects that not only capitalise on the £40 billion that will be spent on the nuclear clean up in West Cumbria but also improve transport links, housing, the leisure and cultural offering.

Elsewhere work is being carried out to build on Workington’s reputation as a bustling retail centre; to improve Whitehaven as a place to do business and to live; and to establish Maryport as a high quality tourism destination. This ‘flagship’ work is being supported by other schemes that are helping local people to help themselves, whether under our successful Social Enterprise support programmes or special schemes to help unemployed people back into work or provide young people with the skills that will secure them a job.

This holistic approach is the way in which West Lakes Renaissance and its partners can build truly sustainable communities that will secure West Cumbria’s economy well into the future.