A £3m regeneration project is aiming to breathe new life into the historic Cumbrian town of Egremont, via a combination of restoration, redevelopment and community investment.
The proposals, led by Cumberland Council and Egremont Town Team, include the refurbishment of the Florence Arts Centre and the transformation of the old Red Lion site into a new business and community hub. Funded by the government, the plans are now going on public display at Egremont Market Hall.
Council Labour leader Mark Fryer said the Egremont regeneration project marked a “major milestone” for the town. “We’re now in a position to share and progress ambitious plans that will breathe new life into the town,” he said. “I’m excited to see how these projects evolve and the positive impact they’ll have on the community.”
At the Florence Arts Centre, based at the former Florence Mine, work would include repairs to stop further deterioration and the safe removal of asbestos. A new performance space with movable walls would be created, alongside additional artists’ studios. The café and car park would also be expanded to support growing visitor numbers.
Artist’s impressions show a bright new performance space linked to a café, with tables and seating designed to make the centre more welcoming for community use. The proposals also include a new building with a café, workshop area and public toilets, providing access to a new open community space and a multi-use venue for events and local groups.
The council said further design work was underway to improve movement and accessibility across Egremont. These improvements could include upgraded pedestrian crossings in the town centre, a new town trail and clearer signage for visitors.
Egremont Town Team chairman Sam Pollen said securing the £3m investment was a “huge win” for the town. “These proposals reflect the town’s potential and the passion of its people,” he said. “I encourage everyone to come along, see how the designs have progressed and help us refine them with feedback.”
Egremont, a market town in the Cumberland district of Cumbria, lies on the River Ehen, five miles south of Whitehaven and just outside the Lake District National Park. With a population of around 7,700, it has a long industrial history rooted in dyeing, weaving and iron ore mining. Today, its economy is closely linked to the nuclear industry at nearby Sellafield, one of West Cumbria’s largest employers.
The town developed around Egremont Castle, a Norman fortress built in the 12th century. Granted a market charter by King Henry III in 1266, Egremont still celebrates its medieval heritage through the annual Crab Fair, believed to be one of the oldest fairs in the world. The fair includes traditional events such as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and the World Gurning Championships.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Egremont became an important centre for mining and manufacturing. Florence Mine, the last working deep iron ore mine in Western Europe, closed in 2007 but was later reborn as the Florence Arts Centre. The site now hosts exhibitions, live music, theatre and workshops, as well as the Florence Paintmakers, who use local iron ore pigment to create paints and art materials.
Cumberland Council said the Egremont regeneration project aimed to build on this cultural heritage while encouraging new enterprise. By restoring the Florence Arts Centre, redeveloping the former Red Lion site and improving town links, the scheme would provide fresh opportunities for small businesses, artists and residents.
The council added that the work would help strengthen Egremont’s appeal as a place to live, visit and invest. Fryer said he hoped the project would “breathe new life into the town” and demonstrate the strength of community ambition.
Egremont Town Team and the council said they were keen for residents to contribute their views. The plans will remain on display at Egremont Market Hall, where visitors can give feedback and help shape the next stage of development.
With its long history, creative community and strong local identity, Egremont now stands at the beginning of another chapter. The regeneration project, officials say, is designed not just to restore old buildings, but to renew confidence in the town’s future.
