Firm to run attraction
Last updated 11:27, Friday, 04 April 2008
CARLISLE Leisure Ltd – the company behind The Sands Centre and Bitts Park – has been chosen to run Maryport’s newest tourist attraction.
Allerdale Council has named the firm as the preferred bidder to operate Destination Maryport, a £3m visitors centre currently under construction near the town’s harbour.
Bosses say they want to have a programme of community events running at the Irish Street venue by the end of the year.
Carlisle Leisure manages leisure facilities on behalf of Carlisle City Council and Allerdale including Workington Leisure Centre; The Pools Swimming and Health Centre; Keswick Leisure Pool; Cockermouth Leisure Centre; Swifts Golf Course and Driving Range; Stoneyholme Golf Course; and the Sheepmount Athletics Track.
The company will now ask the people of Maryport for ideas as to how best to use the facility.
Jim Douglas, managing director of Carlisle Leisure Limited, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed as the preferred operator for Destination Maryport and look forward to working with various stakeholders and the local community to develop a true community facility and tourism destination for the benefit of everybody concerned.
“One of our aspirations is to have a vibrant community events programme in operation at the new centre by the end of the year and we will be talking to as many different user groups as possible over the coming weeks to help us achieve this.”
Cllr Margaret Jackson, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Allerdale Council has a successful partnership with Carlisle Leisure Limited running our leisure centres, and has engaged regularly with leisure centre users.
“I’m sure their expertise can be effectively applied to the new facility in Maryport.”
Allerdale is now in talks with Carlisle Leisure about a possible deal, which is subject to the backing of a meeting of the full council.
