Maryport's town hall will be open to the public again next week.

The public will be able to see the results of a £200,000 renovation in an open-door event on Wednesday, November 2.

The building will accommodate Maryport Town Council and become a new base for the Maryport regeneration team from Allerdale council.

The reopening also means residents will be able to book appointments to see Allerdale customer services officers about their housing benefit or council tax queries. Cumbria Police will also have a presence in the building and officers say it will embed them in the community. 

The exterior of the Georgian building, which began its life as the Cumberland Union Bank, is now gleaming with new paintwork, while windows that had been blocked up have been reinstated. The roof, render and windows have been repaired and an internal doorway widened to allow easier disabled access. Inside, the rooms have been remodeled to provide flexible office space and an accessible toilet on the ground floor has been installed for users of the building. The original coving and woodwork have been restored, and wood panelling replaced. 

The interior design also celebrates Maryport’s past and its future. A bespoke glass mural featuring the Maryport skyline greets visitors at the main entrance, as well as forming part of its fire protection measures. A new piece of work by town artist Alan Roper will have its first showing in the building, and the Made in Maryport Cultural Consortium will be installing future creative exhibitions. 

The building is owned by Allerdale and leased, in part, to Maryport Town Council. The repairs and renovation work have been carried out through Maryport’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative, which is funded by Historic England, Allerdale Borough Council and Sellafield Ltd.