A contractor has been picked to design and build the Iron Line.

This £10 million project is part of the Millom Town Deal programme, aiming to create an accessible coastal corridor to Millom and Haverigg.

Story Contracting will work with the Millom Town Deal Board and Cumberland Council to turn the plans for the Iron Line into a reality.

The project aims to enhance the area's natural beauty and provide benefits to the community and visitors.

It will create a coastal pathway across the RSPB Hodbarrow Reserve and feature more than seven kilometres of walking and cycling routes.

A new welcome centre with a café, multi-purpose events room, and parking for around 80 vehicles is also part of the project.

David Savage, chairman of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: "This appointment represents a significant step forward for the Iron Line.

"We are excited to see Story Contracting join the team to bring this inspiring vision to life.

"The Iron Line will display our town’s beautiful coastline and create spaces for community connection, recreation, and culture.

"We are making real progress toward the kind of positive change that will have lasting benefits for Millom and Haverigg."

The Millom Town Deal, a programme that secured £20.6 million in November 2022 with an additional £8.7 million in match funding, aims to foster economic growth, health, and community well-being.

The funding will support four projects: the Iron Line, Activating Community Health, Reactivating Heritage Buildings, and Connecting Millom and Haverigg.

Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "It is great that our supply chain is once again supporting the delivery of another transformational scheme.

"This is one of many schemes being delivered in Cumberland and we look forward to seeing it become a reality."

According to the council, the Iron Line project will deliver over 300,000 square metres of improved greenspace and outdoor areas, 150,000 square metres of rehabilitated land, and more than seven kilometres of improved or new walking and cycling paths.

Cumberland Council is looking for potential operators to manage the day-to-day operations of the new welcome centre and café.

A full operator procurement process will launch soon, and the council encourages local businesses and community members to consider the opportunity.

For more information and updates, visit millomtowndeal.org.uk