Cumberland Council submits plans to revamp leisure complex

The Wave Centre has been open in Maryport's harbour area since 2008

The proposed revamp of a leisure complex in Maryport will include a children's play centre, an expanded gym and a refurbished climbing wall.

Cumberland Council has submitted plans for "a major upgrade" to The Wave Centre, estimated to cost £2.3m

It could be completed by next summer - but plans must first be agreed by government, which is funding the works.

In April, the council scrapped proposals for a swimming pool at the complex, blaming spiralling costs.

The Wave Centre opened in 2008, initially as a 230-seat cinema, concert hall and conference centre.

The latest upgrade would include new, multi-functional studio spaces and a meeting area, with staff offices moved upstairs to make more space on the ground floor.

The project also proposes a bespoke outdoor event space, a cafe and a bike hub.

Plans must be approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is funding the project.

The work forms part of a wider investment plan for the Cumbrian harbour town, including turning the former Carlton cinema into a cultural hub and relocating the Maritime Museum to Christ Church.

Council leader Mark Fryer said: "By submitting this planning application now, we are well placed to start work on site as soon as we hear what we hope will be positive news from the government.

"The new Shipping Brow Gallery will open in a few weeks, the contractors are on site at The Carlton and Christ Church, shopfronts are being upgraded, new homes created, and [there is] the new boardwalk creating a fabulous accessible route.

"There is loads going on in Maryport," said Mr Fryer.