A PROJECT to revitalise Maryport’s harbour and marina is now underway.

Maryport’s tourism offer is being supported by £300,000 camping park development on the harbour.

The project has been supported by £123,000 from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and their Growing Our Potential Fund.

The Maryport Harbour Camping Park will provide 24 serviced caravan and motorhome pitches and ‘glamping’ pods. Holidaymakers will be treat to a cafe and an amenities block on the site. The cafe is set to open next Spring.

Dr Steve Curl, CLEP board member for transport and infrastructure has visited the site to see works underway.

He said: "The camping park is beautifully located and will add a new dimension to the tourism accommodation offer for Maryport and the Cumbrian coast.

"It will help satisfy the growing demand from visitors, who are keen to explore all that Cumbria has to offer by visiting different locations.

There is a growing market of 'staycationers' in Cumbria.

"It is clear that COVID-19 has changed people’s views on travel with many more people now choosing to holiday at home in the UK. This is likely to continue, so the park is a really welcome new facility to meet growing demand."

Investors hope the park will generate over £500,000 additional visitor spending per year, whilst creating jobs.

Chairman of Maryport Harbour and Marina, Michael Cowen said: "We’re very pleased to have received the LEP’s help through the Growing Our Potential Fund because we couldn’t have done this otherwise. We hope the expanded park will make a real contribution to the redevelopment plans for Maryport and we look forward to bringing another 10,000 people to the town every year. We’re also pleased that in Thomas Armstrong we are using a contractor from just down the road."

Thomas Armstrong Construction, who have a history delivering projects for Maryport Harbour, won the contract and began work earlier this month. Managing director David Atkinson said: "As a local company, Thomas Armstrong Construction is proud to have been awarded the project and will work closely with Maryport Harbour and Marina Ltd to complete the project on budget and in good time for the next visitor season."