A SMALL seaside town has reported a significant boost in tourism after investing £12 million into revamp work.
The regeneration project, most of which was completed at the beginning of the year, saw upgrades to the town centre and seafront.
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Maryport, which has a population of around 10,865, traces back to medieval times with the Georgian era introducing the town’s lighthouse while the Victorian period brought the local railway.
By 1845 , the Cumbria port town had established itself as a bustling hub for trade, shipping 300,000 tons of coal along with other imports and exports including iron ore, timber, cattle, and cotton.
A century on, the aftermath of the 1926 General Strike and the new deep-water dock in Workington saw the area become a ghost town.
Despite a brief reprieve during World War II, the town never fully recovered, with the docks closing to cargo ships in the 1960s.
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In the decades since, the scenic area focused more on its tourism industry.
A series of regeneration works have been carried out in Maryport, with some still in progress.
Maryport Town Hall underwent a £200,000 renovation and now serves as a community hub as well as housing the local council.
Automatic sensors on the building have recorded more than a third increase in footfall since the upgrade began.
Overall, tourism in the town has increased by 35% since spring 2024.
The town hall is located on Senhouse Street, the main route connecting the town centre with the Harbourside and Promenade, all of which have undergone various revamps.
A Shopfront Scheme has transformed the look of many properties, attracting new businesses such as retailers, wellness providers, a photography studio, and a banking hub.
Meanwhile on the Harbourside, the new Shiver Me Timbers splashpark and play area has been erected.
Upgrades have also been made to the Maryport Activity Centre, with new attractions added, including a play area, climbing attractions, a gym, studio spaces, and a café.
The new Shipping Brow Gallery and a new skatepark on the Promenade have also boosted footfall in the town.
And Maryport’s regeneration continues as the Christ Church to Maritime Museum conversion still underway.
‘Downtrodden’ English ghost town where locals feel ‘left behind’ being turned into ‘vibrant’ shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A “DOWNTRODDEN” English ghost town is being turned into a “vibrant” shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound “vision for change” after locals complained the town felt “left behind”.
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town’s shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a “downtrodden” town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a “vibrant” and a “fit for purpose” centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council’s top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been “left behind” and it was in desperate need of some “drastic” improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre “remains open for business”, stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: “Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business,” said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
“The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.”
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his “excitement” for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said “Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
“It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
“The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.”
The work will see the historic Christ Church transformed into a new Maritime Museum, with an expected opening later this year.
And a former cinema is also being converted into a cultural hub, with an opening date expected early next year.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer spoke about the boost the work has given the town.
“When Maryport Maritime Museum opens in Christ Church, the former Carlton Cinema becomes a cultural hub, and the new café opens on the Promenade there will be even more reasons to visit,” he said.
“I am very pleased to see that footfall is already on the up – even before the summer tourist season.
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“This is great for the local economy which is the whole point of this work.”
Other attractions in the town include the Lake Distict Coast Aquarium at Maryport Harbour, which reportedly boasts more than 2,000 specimens in over 75 display tanks.
Family tickets are available from just £26.
And while the town has a mixed shingle and sand beach that disappears during high tide, its bay is still recognised as a good spot for windsurfing and kite-surfing.
Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the Solway estuary at all times of the year.
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