Official opening of new £1.2m transport hub for Maryport
The official opening of a new £1.2m transport hub at Maryport Railway Station took place in early June.
At the event, Cumbria County Council Chairman, Cllr Elizabeth Mallinson, cut a ribbon to officially open the hub and there was a tour of the new facilities. The new hub is designed to encourage more sustainable travel.
Cumbria County Council has delivered the new transport hub which aims to encourage people to travel by train along the Cumbrian Coast, reduce traffic congestion and improve access to Maryport rail station.
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership funded the project, which involved the creation of a new 78-space car park at Mealpot Road on land previously owned by Maryport Rugby League Club. A new footpath has been built linking the car park to the station, along with a new access, fencing and landscaping works.
The car park was developed on the site of a former Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). The county council purchased land nearby from Allerdale Borough Council to allow construction of a new MUGA facility, which has been gifted to the rugby club.
Two local companies were closely involved in the project. Thomas Armstrong from Flimby was appointed as the main contractor for the transport hub and SIS Pitches of Maryport built a 4G all-weather sports pitch for the new MUGA, suitable for rugby and football.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member responsible for transport, said: “The new transport hub for Maryport will improve access to the railway, making it easier for commuters and visitors to travel by train. We believe this project will make the railway even more convenient for people, especially workers at Sellafield, and help reduce commuter traffic on the A595. I’m delighted two local companies, Thomas Armstrong and SIS Pitches, were involved in the hub project and I’d like to thank them for doing a first rate job.”
The Maryport Transport Hub is part of an overall investment of £7.8m from Cumbria LEP in infrastructure improvements in the county.
Chief Executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Jo Lappin said: “Maryport station is a key transport hub and this is another step forward in delivering rail network and transport improvements in line with Cumbria’s Infrastructure Plan. This will help local people to travel more efficiently with better access to good transport facilities. Better connectivity is crucial to our local businesses and helps stimulate our economy.
“Cumbria has invested in these new facilities as part of our Growth Deal funding. Our businesses have stressed the importance of investment in our transport system and with our partners we are working to deliver much needed improvements to the road and rail network.”
Laurence Hilland, Chairman of the Cumbrian Coast Line Community Rail Partnership, said: “The CRP welcomes the new transport hub, which will help encourage Sellafield staff to travel to work by train and is a key part of travel plans for proposed new developments like NuGen. The hub scheme has also enabled the CRP to secure funding to refurbish the platform and station grounds at Maryport. These works include clearing garden areas, new drainage and installing a second shelter as well as new lighting and extra CCTV. There will also be a community project to give the station a Roman themed identity. The CRP is working with Northern Rail and local community groups to transform the station into a Gateway to Maryport.”