Events venue to be managed by community group

Artist's impressions show the intended look of the redeveloped former Carlton Cinema in Maryport

A former cinema being redeveloped as a centre for arts, music and theatre will be managed by a community interest company (CIC), it has been announced.

The conversion of the ex-Carlton Cinema in Maryport, Cumbria, into a cultural hub is due to be completed by spring next year.

It has also seen an adjoining derelict property demolished to allow for the construction of an entrance, box office and bar.

Subject to finalising detailed terms, Cumberland Council said Maryport Horizons CIC would lease the site and enter into a grant funding agreement with the local authority with the aim of making the venue a "key destination".

CICs are limited companies operating for the benefit of the community rather than for private profit.

The venue's auditorium is set to have a capacity of 280 people, while the first and second floors will have office and workshop spaces.

'Final step'

Catherine Eve, a business owner in the town and chair of Maryport Horizons, said she was "hugely optimistic" and hoped the Senhouse Street building would be "a multi-use space with something for everyone".

She explained: "That could be music gigs, comedy nights and theatre productions, gatherings for older people, youth festivals and young enterprise markets.

"We want those who live and work here to have great reasons to come into town, and then attract even more visitors to see what Maryport has to offer."

Council leader Mark Fryer described the Carlton scheme as "the final step in this phase of Maryport's regeneration", which has seen a number of projects funded with £12m from the government.

They include moving the town's Maritime Museum into a former church, revamping an under-used community centre and the construction of a skate park on the promenade.