A coastal activity centre planned for Whitehaven is to be given a £2.4 million boost from the Government.

The Cumbria Coastal Activities Centre will create a dedicated facility for aqua sports, provide storage facilities at Whitehaven Harbour as well as a low carbon arts and community centre.

It will benefit from a share of £10.4 million awarded to projects around the British coast as part of the Government's Coastal Communities Fund.

The Government has pledged to invest over £200 million in the Great British coast by 2021.

It comes just days after Workington, Cleator Moor, Millom, Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness were named among the first 100 places to benefit from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund which will support a new generation of multi-million-pound town deals to play a key role in levelling up prosperity in every part of the UK.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP said: “Our £2.4 million investment in the Cumbria Coastal Activities Centre is the latest example of how this Government is supporting communities across Cumbria and the Northern Powerhouse to thrive and at the heart of the Government’s plan to level up every part of the UK.

“From the Borderlands Growth Deal to the Towns Fund this Government is ensuring that places like Whitehaven are in the best possible position to prosper.

“Building on our £228 million investment into coastal communities, the projects receiving funding today were designed by local people who know best what will bring the biggest benefit to their community.

“Their fantastic ideas demonstrate the raw potential of our coastal towns and will help create good jobs, boost economic growth and improve people’s lives as we leave the EU on October 31.”

Celia MacKenzie​, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: "We have got a really good project here. It's not just about Whitehaven or Copeland. It's about the coast of Cumbria. It's something that will benefit Cumbria as a whole. A centre here in the middle of the coast is ideal. We have got such a fabulous, historic town. We have got a lot to offer."

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “It is excellent news that the Coastal Activity Centre has received this funding boost.

“The centre will provide an outstanding facility as part of our coastal offer, while supporting both health and wellbeing.

“It’s just another step in the regeneration of Whitehaven North Shore and Harbour, which will have an enormous impact on the whole town and further afield.

“The Coastal Activity Centre received the strong support of our planning officers and councillors when the planning application was approved earlier this year. I look forward to seeing the centre come to fruition.”

Charles Maudling, who represents Whitehaven Central on Copeland Council, said: "It's absolutely brilliant news. Congratulations for achieving that. It's like the re-birth of Whitehaven. There's so much going on. It's an extra piece of icing on the cake."