THE ambitious bid to deliver a once-in-a-generation financial boost to Millom has been awarded £29.3 million.

Funding for the Millom Town Deal was confirmed today, meaning four transformative projects can be delivered.

The four projects in the Town Deal are: The Iron Line – A proposal to transform the unique coastal lagoon into an inspiring visitor attraction which fuses ecology, heritage and art.

Activating community health – The creation of a new, multi-purpose leisure hub to provide a range of facilities including a community swimming pool and 3G pitch.

Reactivating Heritage Buildings – A proposal to significantly enhance Millom Town Centre by bringing derelict, vacant and underused heritage buildings back into active use.

Connected Millom and Haverigg – Improving Millom’s transport network to create a gateway to the town at the railway station, while transforming cycling and walking infrastructure in both Millom and Haverigg.

The government has pledged £20.6million for the Town Deal, with a further £8.7 million coming from match funders.

Robert Morris-Eyton, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “We are beyond delighted to learn that the Millom Town Deal has secured the funding offered by the government on a provisional basis last year.

“A huge amount of time, dedication, energy and expertise has been required to get us to this stage and I would like to place on record my thanks, on behalf of the Town Deal Board, to everybody who played a part in the process.

“Notwithstanding the last 12 months, we are, in many respects, at the beginning of a very exciting journey for Millom and Haverigg.

“We can now move forward with each of the projects and begin the process of making them a reality.”

The funding announcement has also been welcomed by Copeland Borough Council.

Mike Starkie, the Mayor of Copeland, said: “This is a remarkable outcome for Millom and Haverigg .

“The four projects will touch on almost every aspect of life, making a positive difference now and for many years to come.

“I’m so pleased the funds have been confirmed and that we can now look towards the exciting delivery phase.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the businesses and organisations that have supported the Town Deal by way of match funding. Their contributions are significant and will have a real impact.”

In addition to the government money, significant sums have been contributed by Sellafield, the NDA, Copeland Community Fund and CGP Books.

Further contributions have been made by Copeland Borough Council, Millom School and Millom Town Council.

For the latest news on the Millom Town Deal, visit millomtowndeal.org.uk