Work under way on £2m arts and community centre

Construction work has begun on an "Arts and Enterprise Centre" in Millom, Cumbria

Construction work is under way to turn a former bank into a £2m arts and community centre.

The Old Bank, in the former Natwest building at Market Square in Millom, Cumbria, is being turned into a community space with a cafe, a maker's market and studios.

It is the second project from the Millom Town Deal, a £29.3m government-funded scheme to regenerate Millom and Haverigg.

David Savage, chairman of the Millom Town Deal board, said: "This iconic building will once again come back to life and play a significant role in boosting our local economy."

The Millom Town Deal includes three further projects - The Iron Line, Connected Millom and Haverigg and Activating Community Health, the latter having got under way at the start of the year.

The Arts and Enterprise Centre will also include "diverse spaces" to support local businesses, start-ups, and community interactions, Millom Town Deal said.

Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said it was "another important milestone" for the projects.

Fryer, who represents the Labour party, said works reflected "the start of a brighter future".