A WOULD-BE buyer has tabled a bid that could transform a derelict factory in west Cumbria.

The future of the old Kangol site in Cleator Moor has been in doubt, but now momentum appears to be growing in the drive to revive the area.

Sellafield Ltd has revealed that the developer behind plans to turn the site into a business park is working with the firm to dedicate part of the development to the nuclear industry.

Property consultancy firm Walton Goodland has listed the site as “under offer”, although it is not yet known who is behind the proposal.

The original buildings have been partly demolished and Walton Goodland said an opportunity now exists to either clear and redevelop the site, or re-work the existing footprint using the structural steel framework to create one single unit or a series of detached warehouse units.

The factory, which made hats, shut about 10 years ago.

The site has an outline planning consent for business and permission was also granted for development of the wider site with a mixture of office/business park development incorporating potential conversion of the former original mill building, with new build office suites in the grounds.

Earlier this year plans for a major park-and-ride facility nearby for nuclear workers were given the go-ahead.

The 600-space car park is intended to slash commuter traffic on the A595, cut the number of cars on-site and ease pressure on Copeland’s road network.

Under the proposal, shuttle buses would operate between the facility and Sellafield, picking up and dropping off workers covering the three main working shift patterns.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, said: “It would be great to see the Kangol site redeveloped and brought back into meaningful use.”