GOOD news as work gets underway to create a new outdoor events and activity area in Workington.

The project was started after the town got £750,000 accelerated funding from Government to help it recover from the pandemic.

Builder Thomas Armstrong has moved onto the site near Workington Leisure Centre, on Griffin Street, and started work this week.

The project includes new pathways and a paved area for the televisual screening of major events for the public to view.

An outdoor gym in the same area is also planned.

The money will also be used to create a dedicated cycleway through the underpass between Central Way and the Brow Top car park, improve lighting and bring artwork to the walls of the underpass so it's more attractive for residents.

It' will also support the proposed redevelopment of the former Opera House site in the town centre

The money was made available to carry out projects before the end of the financial year while the outcome of a £25m bid for regeneration projects in the town.

The bid, to the Government's Town Fund, has been worked on by Allerdale Borough Council and the Workington Town Deal board, whose members come from the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Councillor Mike Johnson, deputy council leader, said: “These improvements to the town centre will, I’m sure, be welcomed by residents and visitors alike and I can’t wait to see the finished project.”

Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington and a member of the Town Deal board, said: “The Government’s accelerated funding allows us an early start on some much-needed public realm improvements to address legacy connectivity issues - an outdoor gym and performance space to follow, alongside the demolition of eyesore buildings.

"This is just the start of a really exciting plan to make Workington fit for the future.”

John Coughlan, CEO of Workington's TSP Engineering and chair of the Town Deal board, said: “It’s really pleasing to see these works begin.

"They will make a big difference to all the people who use our town centre and hopefully there’ll be more good news on the way in the coming months.”