Egremont in West Cumbria is set for a major regeneration programme following the confirmation of £9.8 million in total investment. The funding will support new community spaces, local businesses, cultural facilities and improvements to movement around the town.
The project brings together funding from several organisations, building on the £3 million already secured by Egremont Town Team and Cumberland Council through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Fund.
What Is the £9.8 Million Egremont Investment?
The investment is designed to support the regeneration of several important areas of Egremont.
Funding will be used to:
- Redevelop the former Red Lion site
- Improve the Florence Arts Centre
- Support local businesses
- Create new community facilities
- Improve signs, footpaths and routes across the town
- Encourage more visitors to Egremont
The project is also being delivered through a partnership involving Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, DNWP and Copeland Community Fund.
What Will Happen at the Former Red Lion Site?
New Community and Business Space
The former Red Lion site is planned to become a new public and community area.
The plans include:
- More than 1,600 square metres of new public space
- A new community wellbeing centre
- Four workshop units for local businesses
- Two new retail units
The redevelopment is intended to create additional space for community activity while providing opportunities for local businesses.
How Will Florence Arts Centre Be Improved?
New Arts and Heritage Facilities
The Florence Arts Centre is also included in the regeneration programme.
Planned improvements include:
- A new performance space and café
- A heritage area
- Artists’ studios
- More than 2,800 square metres of improved outdoor space
- Repairs to historic mine buildings
These improvements are intended to strengthen the site’s cultural and heritage offering while creating additional spaces for visitors and the local community.
How Will the Investment Support Local Businesses?
The regeneration programme includes dedicated workshop and retail units at the former Red Lion site.
The wider project is also expected to support local economic activity by improving the town’s public spaces, cultural facilities and visitor routes. Cumberland Council said the investment is expected to improve footfall, increase visitor numbers and create new business opportunities.
When Will Construction Begin?
Construction at the former Red Lion site and Florence Arts Centre is expected to begin in early 2027.
According to Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, construction is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months.
Why Is the Project Significant for Egremont?
The programme demonstrates a partnership-based approach to local regeneration, combining public, community and industry-related funding.
Sellafield Ltd described the investment as part of its Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) strategy, which aims to bring organisations together to create longer-term benefits for communities.
Note
The official GOV.UK announcement published on 24 September 2026 states that the total investment is £9.8 million. The headline in the supplied URL refers to “£98 million”, but this does not match the figure stated in the official announcement. Cumberland Council separately reports the scheme value as £9.74 million, reflecting its detailed breakdown of the funding.
Conclusion
The £9.8 million Egremont regeneration programme will combine community, business, arts and infrastructure improvements across the town. Plans for the former Red Lion site and Florence Arts Centre are expected to begin construction in early 2027, with completion anticipated within 12 to 18 months.
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