Frequently asked questions
The Town Deal Bid
Can we spend some of the money on other projects?
No. The Government has offered Millom a “Town Deal” based on the projects outlined in the Town Investment Plan. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has made a grant offer against each of these projects defined in a business case that has now been approved.
The projects are now in the delivery stage, where the concept and outline design completed, leading into planning approval and works on site.
Why does the process take so long?
Each project must go through a complex process to ensure it is deliverable within the core success criteria of budget, time and quality. The pre-construction stage takes as long, if not longer in most cases than the physical implementation stage on site. This is the case with the Town Deal projects where there is a programme of individual projects with some interlinkages and dependencies.
We also need to be aware of the impact of Local Government Reorganisation with the formation of Cumberland Council. This means we have lost some momentum as new appointments have been made to support the delivery of the Town Deal Programme.
I run a local business. Can we bid for work?
Opportunities may be available as part of the Town Deal projects – tenders will be either advertised on the Local Government online procurement portal, The Chest or procured through established Local Government procurement frameworks. All procurements will be in line with the Council’s procurement strategy seeking social value as part of the tender process and encouraging local supply chain to bid for new opportunities and to work collaboratively with other providers.
Where the delivery of complex projects requires a specialist works contractor to oversee the scheme, the Council will work with that contactor to engage with and explore opportunities with local suppliers and subcontractors.
When will work get underway?
We expect the first ‘spades in the ground’ in the beginning of early 2025.
When will we hear about the projects in detail?
We plan to update residents by several routes which includes press releases on our Website and Facebook.
We are also committed to more face-to-face engagement, and we look forward to further dialogue and conversations as the projects continue to develop.
In addition, the submission of planning approvals means we have a period of consultation on the detailed plans. This is an opportunity to feedback any comments for consideration.
How were the projects chosen?
Working in partnership, the Council and the Town Deal Board undertook feasibility work to identify areas of intervention that would have a positive impact on the town, aligned with the funding criteria for the Town Deal Fund and other funders. Early concepts were developed and appraised against budget and delivery criteria. This led to the final programme of project interventions that are being progressed utilising the funding opportunity.
Who is on the Town Deal Board?
The board includes a mix of representatives from the private, public and community sectors. It includes councillors, local business people, community stakeholders and the area’s MP. Government stipulated the make-up of the Board in the early published guidance.
To see who is on the Board, further details on each of the representatives can be found by following this link:
https://millomtowndeal.org.uk/the-board/
What criteria did the Government use to assess the Millom Town Deal bid?
The Towns Fund is primarily a capital fund. This means the fund is there to make investments which improve the economic outcome for Town included in the Town Deal programme.
The Town Deal is based on building on the assets, and strengths of a town. Delivering the key economic outcomes is at the heart of any Town Deal Bid and this means focussing on the criteria as detailed below:
- Digital Connectivity
- Urban regeneration, planning and land use
- Arts, culture and heritage
- Skills infrastructure
- Enterprise infrastructure
A Town Deal Bid needs to address the above criteria to seek a successful financial offer from the Government.
How will we ensure all the new facilities are inclusive access for all?
Each of the projects are developed in line with an Equality and Impact assessment at all stages of the project development.
Each of the new facilities are building to currently building regulations standards taking into account any changes in legislation.
Out of the projects what is being prioritised? Has the public been asked for priorities?
The Town Deal programme is made up of four projects and our funding from Towns Deal is dependent on each project being delivered. We also need to recognise the impact of cost inflation which has witnessed significant material and labour cost rises.
The successful bid and approval of the project business cases were awarded by Towns Deal in November 2022 and will not be increased in line with inflation. We must deliver within our current budget. What we thought we could deliver in 2022, is now a different world in 2024 onwards, considering the cost escalations.
As a Town Deal Board, we have listened to community feedback at various Community Engagement Events, and we are fully committed to funding as the key priority, the delivery of the Leisure Complex. The other projects scope will be reviewed to ensure we address the budget pressures.
Is the funding secured?
The recent Autumn Budget 2024 confirms that the UK Government remains committed to infrastructure and housing investment, which are essential for driving economic growth and regeneration, particularly in areas like Millom. The Budget specifically outlines support for local initiatives across the UK, which includes the Towns Fund (source: Autumn Budget 2024).
This financial backing demonstrates the government’s dedication to initiatives like the Millom Town Deal Programme, intended to “revitalise towns” and promote “long-term economic and productivity growth” in local communities. This support ensures that the Millom Town Deal Programme will proceed as planned, contrary to concerns that funds might be reallocated. The programme’s mission aligns with the government’s stated goal of “boosting local economies” and generating sustainable jobs for the future (Autumn Budget 2024 – gov.uk).
Our community is a priority, and the government’s funding allocation will enable us to continue vital projects in infrastructure and housing under the Millom Town Deal Programme, driving forward economic opportunities and well-being for all residents.
Activating Community Health
Why is the swimming pool at the leisure hub 15m?
To secure government funding for a pool in Millom, the business case submitted must be financially robust and demonstrate long-term viability. That means that, whilst the initial build cost is an important factor, of equal importance is the long term viability of the pool and health hub to operate efficiently.
We listened to all the feedback received from members of the public and the Activating Community Health project delivery team have focused on developing a modern long-term sustainable facility for the community of Millom.
During design development several options linked to pool length and additional facilities were thoroughly explored. The final proposal represents the very best viable option, based on available capital build funds and future operational revenue requirements. The final option was appraised against projected visitor numbers, activities it can offer and accessibility to the community.
We believe the 15m x 8m – 4 lane community pool can be programmed to meet the needs of the Millom Community. It will be able to accommodate swimming lessons, lane swimming and other water-based group exercise classes.
Why is the swimming pool being built on school grounds?
As part of the business case development process, we carefully looked at several potential locations for the health hub and swimming pool. We needed to find a site that met a number of strict criteria. The school site ultimately proved to be the only viable location and the most likely to be granted planning permission.
With the Millom Community Hub also located on this site the School now becomes a community campus that provides a wide range of community facilities in one location.
Can members of the public use the pool during the school day?
Yes, although located on the school campus, the leisure facility will be operated independently to the school and accessible to the public during its opening hours (yet to be defined). Like many community pools across the country, swimming lessons and other activities will be timetabled in, but it is proposed that members of the public can use the pool during times the facility is operational.
Can some of the Town Deal money be used to support the running costs of a larger pool?
No. Strict Government criteria sets out that funding from the Town Deal can’t be used to cover ongoing running costs for any project. The Town Deal funding is for capital projects and not for supporting revenue.
In addition, the funding will only be awarded where the viability of a project is evidenced in the business case submitted to Government, and that the local community is supportive of the project.
In the case of Activating Community Health, the facilities on offer, including the size of the pool, represent the only sustainable model. This is based on projected visitor numbers, activities it can offer and accessibility to the community.
How much will it cost a family to use the swimming pool?
It’s not possible to answer this question at this stage in the process. The Council will need to appoint an operator through a procurement process, before we are able to start looking at the pricing arrangements for the Leisure Complex.
Will the pool be opened in the evening?
An operator of the Leisure Complex will look at the income opportunities and the demand from the users to help make evenings a viable proposition.
When will this new facility be built and opened to the community?
The project is planned to commence construction in January 25 and complete in spring 26. These dates will of course be dependant on securing planning permission.
Can we at least get the AWP renovated whilst we wait for the leisure centre to be constructed?
The delivery team are exploring if works to the All-Weather Pitch can be completed first and segregated from the works safely. No works can commence until planning has been approved.
Why is it taking so long?
Design development and procurement of a works contractor has had an impact on the project timetable. The design has needed to adapt to inflationary budget pressures. Securing an experienced works contractor in construction of swimming pools and other leisure facilities works who can deliver this project successfully in Millom has required more time than originally programmed.
The team have now appointed contractor Thomas Armstrong who will drive the final detailed design and planning to enable works to commence in the 2025 new year.
Why is the current school gym being closed starting in early 2025?
The existing gym is within the construction zone, meaning access to the gym will need to be closed off once construction begins. The gym will eventually be integrated into the overall scope of the new leisure complex.
What kind of flooring will be installed in the new gym? A sprung floor would be preferable to prevent joint injury.
We are still assessing the construction of the existing gym floor. Until further investigation, we can’t confirm if it’s suspended, solid, or semi-sprung. As there is an access hatch to a service area, it’s likely suspended and may need adjustments. Sprung floors are uncommon in gyms with equipment like cardio machines, resistance machines, and free weights, as they don’t prevent joint injuries in this setting. However, the weight area will be reinforced with extra matting to provide support.
Will the existing long jump pit be replaced with a high-quality, fit-for-purpose one? The current pit is not up to standard, and the runway is too short.
The long jump facility will be relocated to another area to allow for the development. The Council will explore ways to improve the standard of the long jump facility, and we will provide further updates as this is reviewed.
Is the astro turf going to be replaced, and why do we need to wait until June 2026? The current all-weather pitch isn’t fit for purpose, and there are safety concerns about the existing surface. Can the new 3G pitch be built on another site?
The council is committed to replacing the astro turf pitch as part of the Activating Community Health Centre project. We are working with the appointed contractor to phase the replacement as early as possible in the construction programme. This schedule is subject to factors such as access and permissions from the school, as well as coordination with school dates to minimise disruption to educational and community activities.
The cost of building a 3G pitch on another site is not achievable within the challenging budget constraints. It also undermines the focus of bringing as many health and wellbeing options onto the same site, such as the Community Running Track which was partially funded by the Millom Town Deal Fund.
We understand the need for an updated, safe pitch and are actively working to deliver it as soon as possible.. At this time, the replacement is planned for the existing site, in close coordination with the school to manage any potential impacts.
Reactivating Heritage Buildings
How will we address the extra parking needs within the Town Centre, especially with the new Arts and Enterprise Centre situation in the Town Square?
We are currently in discussions with the Cumberland Council highways team around assisting through extending the time on the disc zone around Millom town centre.
We are also improving the parking facilities in Millom town square, this is being delivered through our Connecting Millom and Haverigg project.
What are the plans to decide who operates this new facility?
Any chosen operator will be appointed following a thorough procurement exercise, with consideration to the cost and quality of the service they can provide.
How is this new facility different from the one built at Millom School and has closed?
The Millom Network Centre still operates as a local charity providing a wide range of services to the Millom Community.
The location of MNC at Millom School has been transformed into the Millom Community Hub operated by Cumberland council providing a key connection with Council run services.
The difference for this facility is both its central town location and offering a window to show case local arts. The Nat West building is also in a prime location to offer a café and office space to support local growing businesses.
The development of the Town Square and the location of the Nat West provides opportunities to develop potential events that will show case the best of Millom and Haverigg.
The Library (now closed) will impact on this new facility – when will the NDA get this sorted?
This question is outside of the remit of the Town Deal and so the NDA will lead on this development and any associated timescales.
The Iron Line
How much will the car park cost at the Welcome Centre? Will Local residents park free?
This is yet to be determined by the appointed operator and Cumberland Council.
Will cycle hire facilities (including electric) be available in the area and specifically the Welcome Centre?
Yes, there is currently cycling provision as part of the planning application at the welcome building.
What other facilities are planned at the Welcome Centre?
The current proposal for the welcome building provides a café, retail space, a changing places toilet facility, office space for staff and a larger conference/group room.
Can we as a community have a say in any commissioned artwork that may be placed on the Iron Line?
Cumberland council is committed to community engagement and is looking to engage the community on this key aspect of the Iron Line.
Will construction work for the Iron Line impact current access to the area?
There may be periods where access is not possible for health and safety reasons whilst during construction period. We will be working closely with the appointed contractor to minimise any disruption and communicate and closures to the community on a timely basis.
Will the Welcome Centre be open all year round?
This will be determined with the operator of the facility.
What will happen to the current flooding of the road near the entrance to the Iron Line?
This problem has been highlighted to the project team who are designing solutions as part of the project development.
How will access to the Recycling Centre be impacted?
It is not anticipated that any works will affect access to the recycling centre. The project team will work closely with the house waste recycling centre team internally and communication provided to any changes in access.
Who will maintain the Iron Line?
This is to be determined between current landowners and the new operator of the facility.
How do you prevent the potential to vandalism to the site?
We need to recognise the scale of the Reserve and the cost implications of installing CCTV.
There are limits to the available funding and that clearly constrains what can be done,
We are working with Schools and pupils to raise the issue of supporting our investments and becoming a proud citizen of this area. This is of course focusses on respecting our community.
Any criminal damage will of course lead to the involvement of Cumbria Constabulary.
The Planning Application states there will be cattle on the site – how will this work when we have so many vulnerable users on the site?
We are currently exploring the use of animals for conservation grazing on the site. The animals will be placed in a dedicated zone and unable to move from the area due to the use of cattle collars. The exact breed of animal will require a further discussion between the operator and the grazier.
What steps are being taken to protect this sensitive site and its wildlife?
We are working closely with natural England and RSPB to ensure any sensitive ecology is protected at all times.
Can local residents expect no changes to access to this site?
This new development will improve access for all to enjoy the beauty of this reserve. The scheme is about improving access and not to limit access we see today
As stated above, during the Construction phase may restrict access to support everyone’s safety.
Will the road from Mainsgate Road to the current tip be widened? It’s narrow and floods in winter, plus cars pass close to pedestrians. There will be more traffic to the new visitor centre.
The Council is considering trimming trees and bushes to create a greater sense of road width. We may also look at adding passing places in narrower sections. As for the flooding, this will be addressed in the design phase, where we’ll investigate the causes and explore options to prevent or reduce flooding impacts.
Why is there a restriction on fishing at Hodbarrow Reserve? My kids really enjoy it, and it’s great for their mental health and wellbeing.
We understand the importance of outdoor activities like fishing. However, Hodbarrow Reserve is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with rare and sensitive wildlife. To protect the unique ecosystem, certain activities, including fishing, are restricted in specific areas. For more details, please refer to the RSPB’s guidelines on protected reserves.
Who owns the old windmill? Is it a listed building? The mill is the oldest structure around the Hodbarrow area. Would it be possible to rebuild it? A notice board explaining its history would be great.
The old windmill is not a listed building and is owned by the RSPB. The Towsey Hole windmill was originally used as a gunpowder store for blasting and was purpose-built for this function. We recognise the community’s interest in restoring this historic structure and see a great opportunity to involve the local community in this effort. We will engage with community members who have proposed ideas to learn more about their plans.
NEW – Who will pay for the ongoing running of the Iron Line facilities?
The ongoing management and maintenance of the Iron Line will be determined between the landowners and the appointed facility operator, who will generate income through café sales, events, and other activities to help cover operational costs. The Council is working to ensure the site remains financially sustainable for the long term.
NEW – Why has the plan to increase visitor numbers from 40,000 to 150,000 not been widely publicised? Is there enough capacity in caravan sites and holiday lets for an additional 110,000 visitors?
The projected increase in visitor numbers has been detailed in the planning documents, which have been publicly available for review. The Council has been working closely with caravan site operators to assess capacity and explore ways to support visitor demand while minimising any impact on local infrastructure. However, not all visitors will stay overnight—many will come for day trips, and the site will remain accessible to all, including those with mobility needs who require closer parking access.
NEW – Why is the Welcome Centre being built between the slag heap and the waste tip? Wouldn’t visitors benefit more if they stayed at the caravan sites and walked onto the sea wall?
The Council considered multiple locations for the Welcome Centre, and the current site was the most suitable option according to planning and environmental authorities. This location ensures protection of the sensitive habitats within the reserve while providing a strategic starting point for visitors to explore the Iron Line and surrounding area in Millom and Haverigg.
NEW – The Iron Line project costs £10 million, which works out at £90 per additional visitor. Is it worth it?
The Council recognises the project’s cost but is confident that the economic benefits provides a wider benefit to the town of Millom and Haverigg. The Iron Line project is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and support local businesses, leading to long-term growth for Millom and Haverigg.
NEW – How much will be spent each year on advertising and promotion for the Iron Line?
The Council has allocated a budget for initial marketing to promote the Iron Line and support engagement efforts. Once operational, the appointed operator will lead further advertising and promotion efforts. The Council will be working with a number of partners to support the promotion of this new visiting opportunity.
NEW – The Iron Line is inspired by New York’s High Line, but Millom is much smaller. Can it realistically attract the same level of interest?
The Council understands the scale difference but sees the Iron Line as an opportunity to increase tourism and economic activity in Millom and Haverigg. The project is not about directly replicating the High Line but rather creating a unique and engaging attraction that celebrates Millom’s heritage and natural landscape.
NEW – Are you trying to create a false history by embedding rails into the paths? The real history of Millom is its ironworks, mines, and shipping, not elevated rail lines.
The embedded rail lines are a design feature intended to reflect Millom’s industrial heritage and help visitors understand its historical significance. While the railways were not elevated, they played a vital role in the iron industry, and this feature is designed to acknowledge that history.
NEW – You seem to have dropped the idea that all benches and seating must match. Have you considered consulting families before removing memorial benches?
The project still includes new benches and seating, as this was a key request during the 2019 community engagement process. The Council is committed to consulting with families about existing memorial benches before any changes are made.
NEW – Why are so many new gates being installed along the beacon side of the sea wall? Won’t this compromise the wildness of Hodbarrow?
The number and placement of gates are being reviewed as part of the Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) process. No final decisions have been made yet.
Arts & Enterprise Building
Who are the contractors doing the work? Are they Millom-based? How has this project received approval before the swimming pool and the Iron Line?
Each of our projects progresses according to various factors, including complexity and any planning issues that need to be addressed. This project was awarded planning permission in April 2024, allowing it to advance to the final design phases.
The next key milestone is to appoint a construction contractor. Cumberland Council will soon issue an invitation to tender, with the goal of awarding the contract by December 2024. All tenders are based on a competitive process that follows national procurement regulations.
The Council will encourage the appointed contractor to share opportunities for locally based skilled tradespeople to work on the project in collaboration with the main contractor.
Will the café area be licensed for evening use (outside the bank building)?
The café is initially planned to operate within standard hours, from 08:00 to 17:00. However, we are open to the possibility of extended hours, including evening use, based on community interest and the future operator’s plans. Final hours and licensing will be decided in consultation with the community and adjusted to meet demand once an operator is in place.
Will there be pottery classes for children and/or adults in the Arts Centre?
The Council fully supports educational activities and workshops that contribute to the success of the Arts and Enterprise Building. Partnering with local businesses or hobbyists to offer pottery classes is a fantastic idea, and we encourage such initiatives.
Can the Library be situated in the new Arts and Enterprise Centre?
The library was moved in 2022, post-COVID, due to safety concerns with its previous building. The relocation near Millom School also presented an opportunity to sell the old building to Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, supporting future investment in Millom Town Centre. Any future decisions regarding the library’s location fall outside the Town Deal Programme and have been referred to the Cumberland Council libraries and community hub team for their consideration
NEW – Will the NatWest Banking Hub offer weekly banking services for transactions that cannot be done at the Post Office?
The purpose of the Arts & Enterprise Centre is to repurpose vacant heritage buildings. The former NatWest building will be transformed into a hub for businesses, artists, and the community, featuring a café, exhibition space, co-working areas, retail displays, and creative workshops to support Millom’s economy and public spaces. The services in the centre will be determined once an operator is appointed.
Millom & Haverigg Flood Scheme
What’s going on with the sea defence, its 50 years since it was installed
The Council is focused on alleviating flood risk as a priority in the Millom area. As Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) the Council has investigated the causes and effects of previous floods. We have engaged key stakeholders, surveyed assets and identified actions to mitigate flood risks and impacts in future. These actions (which include Community Resilience, Upstream Management, Maintenance and Strengthening Defences) make up the Millom and Haverigg Flood Alleviation Project.
The project has secured support from the Environment Agency (EA) and United Utilities (UU) to undertake assessment, identify specific interventions and develop plans. The Council is now preparing to submit an Outline Business Case (OBC) to draw down funding contributions that the EA and UU have earmarked for the project.
We are hoping the OBC gets approved early in 2025, enabling the Council to procure a Design and Build Contractor and start developing designs soon after, when we will be engaging people locally to inform them and get their input.
Connecting Millom and Haverigg
There are a lot of zebra crossings proposed, and one on the bridge for cars to navigate through, and drivers already struggle with the existing roundabout.
The crossings has been considered during design for pedestrians to access and cross safely. The council have removed one of the crossings because of the road safety audits findings and we’ve moved one of the crossing points to be part of the existing island and will be an uncontrolled crossing. The current project images do not reflect this change and will be updated in due course.
Can a mini roundabout be installed outside the harbour around the lamp post?
The design has been developed to standard and reviewed by the Council’s technical team for approval. Vehicle tracking with larger vehicles has been checked, and a road safety audit has been completed as part of the process to ensure it is fit for purpose and achievable.
NEW – Will the new toucan crossing on St. George’s Road encourage people to leave Millom via the Knott? Could a pedestrian walkway over the road be considered instead?
The road safety audit has identified the best locations for crossings, and while a raised pedestrian walkway would require significant funding and engineering feasibility studies, the Council is prioritising well-placed crossings to enhance safety while ensuring smooth traffic flow.
General Questions
Will solar panels or batteries be used to power the facility?
The Council is considering the use of the latest technology, including solar panels and batteries, to help manage ongoing facility costs and meet our sustainability and environmental goals. This will, however, be subject to budget constraints.
With businesses struggling to find staff, how will you staff the activity health centre and two other additional facilities/ café’s?
This issue is recognised as a challenge and the starting point is to understand what support can be put in place ahead of these new facilities coming online, with a local workforce with the skills and experience to make a success of the new opportunities that are presented via the Town Deal projects. This means working with a range of partners to make this happen.
Drone footage, we would like to see a drone footage of the projects
The council have engaged with a local company (Cumbrian based company) who will undertake a route map of all projects to provide periodical videos of progress and still images for the four projects (this is subject to costs and budget).
NEW – Can we bring back lollipop men and women near schools to make crossing safer?
The Town Deal projects do not cover school crossing patrols. However, school safety concerns can be raised with Cumberland Council’s highways and education teams, who manage road safety measures near schools
