Harbourside outdoor festival space approved

The council hopes the proposed design will encourage a range of different events and festivals

Plans to create a new event space on a harbourside have been approved.

Cumberland Council has agreed part of Maryport’s historic harbourside can be cleared and prepared to host markets and festivals.

Maryport’s regeneration team applied to turn a patch of underused grassland next to the town’s aquarium and play area into a community outdoor facility.

In the planning application, the development promised to "revitalise the communal spirit and cultural vibrancy" by providing a "versatile venue for a range of outdoor events".

The regeneration team said the accessible site would allow families, wheelchair users and people of all ages to enjoy events there.

The leader of Cumberland Council councillor Mark Fryer said he had seen how popular outdoor events – like the Taste of the Sea and Taste Cumbria - gave a massive boost to the local economy by bringing thousands of people to the town.

Mr Fryer said: "Until now, there has never been a purpose-built location in Maryport to hold events like this and we have had to buy in the necessary infrastructure to stage live performances and producers’ markets.

"Now we will have a properly designed space to host yet more brilliant experiences for local people and visitors alike."

The site is on Maryport's historic harbour

The transformation of the land is part of Cumberland Council’s £12m regeneration of Maryport.

Funding has been provided by the government and Maryport Marina, and Harbour Authority has made the site available for development.

Maryport Town Council will also be looking after the future management of the site.

The contractor, the Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong Group, will start work on before the end of this month.