A NEW ambulance site in Workington is set to be 'fully operational' by Spring 2025 - as the ambulance service aim to create a 'modern facility' to service ambulances and patient transport vehicles in West Cumbria.

Plans submitted by the North West Ambulance Service for the conversion of former AA Carpets & Furnishings warehouse on Chapel Road in Workington have been approved by Cumberland council.

AA Carpets & Furnishing, which previously owned the unit, moved into the old Wilko store on Ladies Walk in Workington back in March of this year, following the sale of the warehouse to the ambulance service last year.

The new unit is set to be 'fully operational' by Spring 2025 and following the opening, all staff from the old site on the Lillyhall Industrial Estate, Workington will be transferred, with staff 'benefitting from better facilities' such as a new break room and kitchen - as well as increased space to repair and service vehicles.

The North West Ambulance Service are 'delighted' to be able to move forward with the plans, after previous documents revealed they had decided to purchase the building following the 'outgrowing' of their former base.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson commented: “We’re delighted that planning has been granted and we can move forward with our plans to create a new workshop to replace our current site which is located on Lillyhall Industrial Estate.

“We purchased the Chapel Road property last year and will now be working to convert it into a modern, facility to service our emergency and patient transport ambulances in Cumbria.

“All of our staff from the old site will be transferring to Chapel Road once work is complete and will benefit from better facilities such as a break room and kitchen on the mezzanine floor and increased space on the ground floor for repair, servicing and MOT work.

"We expect the site to become fully operational in Spring 2025.”

Externally the site will see an ambulance parking area being built at the site, which will include two electric charging stations for the vehicles, with CCTV cameras and a 2.4m (7ft 10in) fence set to be installed for security.

Plans for the new ambulance base were granted by Cumberland Council officers on Friday, November 8.