Plans for Port of Workington submitted to Cumberland Council

The project, managed by Cumberland Council, aims to create a clean energy and logistics hub at the port, with around £4.5 million in government funding being provided as part of the Workington Town Deal.

As part of the preparation for future development, the land has been assessed for pollutants and stability.

The planning application involves remediation works, including topsoil excavation, processing of materials, earthworks compaction, and landscaping.

These steps are intended to ready the site for forthcoming development.

The site is earmarked for employment use.

The application states: “The proposal provides the opportunity for the site to be unlocked for future beneficial use through remediation of the existing land allowing the site to be viable, attracting inward employment and investment opportunities.

“The proposed development aims to revitalise an underutilised, previously developed site in Workington, transforming it into a viable future development site.

"Oldside is seen as a strategic location to leverage the existing logistics infrastructure of the Port of Workington (PoW), thereby enhancing the area's freight and energy sector employment opportunities.

"Remediating the site will prepare it for future developments, attracting significant inward investment and fostering economic growth in the region.”

The long-term vision for Oldside includes not just the clean energy initiative, but also improvements to the rail link into the port with the creation of a multi modal hub and 'lay down area' for temporary storage of goods.

Siddick Bridge, a £4 million project opened in 2022, has already enhanced vehicular access over the Cumbrian Coast Line railway.

The application has been submitted to Cumberland Council and can be viewed online.

If approved, the initiative could pave the way for increased trade and cargo handling at the Port of Workington, alongside potential rental income from property lettings at Oldside.