A Cumbrian project benefitting the planet and community is to expand with a helping hand.

The Carlisle-based Rebuild Site, an initiative that takes surplus materials from the building industry and makes them available at low prices to people and community services in the area, is set to open a new premises in Workington.

Since its inception, the not-for-profit initiative has saved more than 2,000 tonnes of materials from going into landfill, supported more than 150 community projects benefitting more than 14,000 people, diverted 7,500 litres of paint from waste, and created 10 part-time jobs.

Rebuild Site was in need of a temporary home to start operations in Workington while waiting for its new premises to be ready later this year.

The Cumberland Building Society has stepped in to help by allowing Rebuild Site to use its former branch on Murray Road in Workington, which has been unused since the pandemic.

The keys to the office being handed overThe keys to the office being handed over (Image: Tom Kay)

Head of direct distribution, Liz Eastburn, said: "One of our team noticed that The Rebuild Site was in a spot of difficulty as they needed a temporary home in Workington.

"Our Murray Road building closed its doors in March 2020 and our customers have used our nearby Pow Street branch ever since.

"So we are really delighted to be able to help them get under way in the town by letting them use Murray Road until their permanent base is ready.

"The Rebuild Site is such a positive project with values which very much match our own mission to promote caring for our communities and the environment."

The new Workington Rebuild Site began operating from Murray Road yesterday (August 28).

Emma Porter, who launched The Rebuild Site in Carlisle in 2021, said: "We can’t wait to open in west Cumbria and are so grateful for this support from the Cumberland."

The Rebuild Site stocks everything from roof materials to baths to surplus paint and recently opened a tool library where people can borrow tools.

Ms Porter said: “The Cumberland really did step in and save the day.

"By helping us in this way we’re both, in turn, doing our bit for the communities we’re proud to be part of as well as saving so much waste from the construction industry that people can use for their own projects."

The Cumberland’s Pow Street branch will continue to operate as usual.

The Murray Road location will not reopen as a branch and there have been no job losses at The Cumberland.