The multi-million pound transformation of the port area of Barrow-in-Furness, now known as The Waterfront, could take a major step forward next week.
On February 7th cabinet members of Cumbria County Council will be asked to approve the purchase of 31.37 hectares of land from Associated British Ports.
If approved, Cumbria County Council will include the condition that all costs of acquisition, relocation, reclamation, servicing, future management and maintenance are recovered from West Lakes Renaissance/Northwest Regional Development Agency.
The planned £18m development of The Waterfront business park and new access road will provide much-needed industrial and commerical development land for Barrow-in-Furness. The nearby Furness Business Park, which was also developed by Cumbria County Council, is now almost full.
The cabinet is also being asked to approve the taking on lease of all land required for a new £9m marina link to Walney Channel and a new £9m cruise terminal, a further area of 3.3 hectares.
Councillor Tim Heslop, cabinet spokesman for economic well-being and regeneration, said: "We are now entering an exciting phase in the development of a project that will revitalise the port area of Barrow-in-Furness.
"When complete, the Waterfront business park is expected to create 1,000 new jobs and add another 500,000 sq ft of industrial and commercial space. It will become part of the area's economic lifeblood."