Contractor swap for Maryport Maritime Museum

Thomas Armstrong Construction has taken over the job in the West Cumbrian town after former contractor Aura Heritage went bust in July.

The Maryport Maritime Museum is part of the government’s Future High Streets programme. The project is focussed on converting the 152-year-old, grade two-listed Christ Church off King Street into an engaging attraction that showcases a variety of maritime artefacts.

Cumberland Council had terminated its contract with Aura Heritage in June – before the group formally entered liquidation. With Thomas Armstrong’s appointment, work is set to restart in the coming weeks.

This will put the project on target for an early 2025 completion – a year longer than anticipated when Aura began the work in 2023.

The external renovation of the church is already complete and its clock has been repaired by Penrith’s Cumbria Clock Company. Steelwork for the new mezzanine is also finished, leaving Thomas Armstrong with the task of adding lime plaster to the walls, installing a new floor, and repairing stained glass windows.

The contractor will also need to finish creating the displays for the artefacts.

“The need to change contractors part way through this project was unfortunate and the Maryport regeneration team worked hard to do this as quickly and efficiently as possible amid legal constraints,” said Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer.

“It is their diligence in managing the project which means that none of the grant funding has been wasted,” he continued.

“The delay in completion is frustrating but we want this job done properly and perfectly and we look forward to Thomas Armstrong Construction Limited finishing the work on this landmark building.”