An invitation to tender has been issued as part of an exciting project to create a new activity and leisure facility in Millom and Haverigg.

The call to bid opens the way to developing the new hub that forms part of the Millom Town Deal.

Activating Community Health is one of four key ventures which secured £20.6m from the Government's Town's Fund last year.

This impressive sum has been boosted by a further £8.7m secured through match funding.

The Activating Community Health project promises to transform wellbeing in the area, with a new swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness studios within the setting of a community and leisure hub.

The goal is to provide a modern, multi-purpose, inclusive site for local people.

As well as boosting fitness, the hub aims to help shore up the town's finances.

It is predicted to attract visitors to the area, supporting local business through increased footfall and spending.

David Savage, the Chair of Millom Town Deal Board, said: “I understand how important this project is to the community and I am pleased to offer this long-awaited update on progress as work continues behind the scenes to push it forward.

“This is an important milestone for the Reactivating Community Health Project and is a necessary part of the development of a building of this nature.

"Once this stage is completed, we will have everything we need to be able to make a submission to the planning authority.

“We need to be mindful that each of our four projects will evolve at a different pace, noting they have their own unique regulatory and approval processes that must be met.”

The next step in the journey is the invitation to tender, a formal process that will see a contractor appointed to complete technical, architectural drawings for the proposed building at Millom School.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is one of a number of exciting schemes we are taking forward across the Cumberland area which have the potential to make a significant difference to people’s lives.

“I am pleased to see it progress to this very important stage.”

Planning permission is also being sought for two other Millom Town Deal projects; The Iron Line and Reactivating Heritage Buildings.

The Iron Line will enhance the unique sea wall and coastal lagoon off the coast of Millom to form an inclusive route across RSPB Hodbarrow.

Reactivating Heritage Buildings will facilitate the creation of a new arts and enterprise centre for the community.

Official updates on the final project, Connecting Millom and Haverigg, will be provided as soon as information becomes available.

For more detailed information about the Millom Town Deal, please visit their official website at www.millomtowndeal.org.uk