Copeland Borough Council has submitted proposals for the Cleator Moor innovation quarter in Cumbria, which will host an innovation and solutions hub as well as an enterprise campus.
The plans come amid challenges for the future of Copeland Borough’s economy brought about by the scaling back of operations at the Sellafield site. The new cluster is set to incentivise clean energy supply chain organisations to locate, grow, export, and diversify from West Cumbria.
The council is looking to create 477,379 sq ft of new floorspace to accommodate light industrial, research and development, storage and distribution facilities, alongside new education, hotel and student accommodation space.
Most of the buildings are expected to achieve net-zero carbon and EPC rating A. If approved, the construction is set to start onsite in the first quarter of 2026, with completion scheduled for a year later.
The masterplan covers 86.2 acres, which was bought by the council in January last year. It currently comprises the Leconfield industrial estate and two adjusted land parcels. The estate accommodates 20 employment spaces, with tenants including Brannan, Rowlands Industries, Forth Engineering and Capalex. Most of the existing tenants are expected to be retained with no changes to their facilities.
Cleator Moor lies to the west of the Lake District national park and south-east of Whitehaven, which is served by the B5295 linking to the A595.
The council has secured £22.5m funding in support of the project from UK Department for Communities and Local Government’s Towns Fund. Avison Young has been appointed to advise on planning.
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