A PLANNED enterprise park designed to reinvigorate Cleator Moor, has received an expression of interest from scores of businesses.

Copeland Borough Council unveiled plans for the landmark redevelopment of Leconfield Industrial Estate last month, submitting a planning application for the 4,000 square metre hub building at its centre.

Proposals to carry out refurbishment work on a number of the existing units have also been submitted for approval.

Bankrolled in-part by the Town’s Fund, the Copeland Council and Sellafield Limited project will develop a new nuclear and clean energy business cluster.

And support for the scheme has gathered momentum, with 35 businesses making enquiries regarding tenancy.

The proposal is a key part of Enterprising Town, one of four projects that make-up the Cleator Moor Town Deal. The remaining three are to encourage Cleator Moor to be a Revitalised Town, a Connected Town and a Healthy Town.

Phase one of the development to transform the site into the Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter is part funded by £25.5 million from the Government’s Towns Fund.

Bob Metcalfe, Chairman of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “Enterprising Town will kickstart what will be a significant redevelopment of the Leconfield Industrial Estate, creating jobs, opportunity and acting as a catalyst for inward investment in the town.

“It is a major initiative and therefore it is incredibly encouraging to have such healthy levels of interest at this stage. We will continue to work hard with our project partners as we prepare to submit our final business plan for the project to the government.”

The redevelopment of the site is part of the Industrial Solutions Hub initiative, designed to provide employment and training opportunities in the area and regenerating the community.

An exhibition providing residents with the latest on projects under the Town Deal is set to take place at Cleator Moor Civic Hall on Tuesday May 24 from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm.

Copeland is in a rare position being a local authority area that is dependant on Sellafield and the nuclear sector which is expected to see a reduction in employment when the decommissioning process wraps-up.

The council’s plans for Leconfield are a response to this challenge.

READ MORE: Major step forward for Cleator Moor Industrial Solutions Hub bid