Budget airlines may have killed off the British seaside resort, but the pandemic brought it back in a big way. Since 2020, the staycation is cool again, which has led to some long forgotten waterside towns finally getting the attention they so desperately need.
Millom in Cumbria is one of these towns. Historically, Millom’s not had the easiest go of it, contending with decades of low investment. Multi-million pound renovations planned for the coming years are sorely needed.
According to Millom’s website, this is a ‘turning point’ and will lead to a ‘revitalised and better-connected town’. The place hopes to become ‘a welcoming peninsular town, with thriving independent businesses and a distinctive culture, arts and tourism offer’.
That all sounds grand, but what is Millom actually doing to achieve such lofty goals? Primarily, the town is regenerating some old buildings, including a disused bank that is set to become home for a cafe, market, and retail space for local vendors. There will also be a brand new leisure centre built, and a beachside venue constructed which will feature spaces for art installations, community use, and gorgeous views of the nearby lagoon. Additionally, plans are in place to modernise and upgrade the town’s railway infrastructure.
Planning permission has just been approved for an ‘arts and enterprise centre’, which David Savage, chair of the Millom Town Deal Board says will play ‘an integral part of the transformation of a forgotten town into something quite extraordinary’.
Work has already begun, but it’s mostly just preparation at the moment. As usual, a lot of paperwork has to be signed off before anything fun can happen, so the exciting changes could take a couple of years to materialise.
All we need to do now is wait and watch Millom go from under-loved village to the very picture of British seaside swank. Don’t you just love a good rags to riches story?
Staycations according to Time Out
We’ve got some recommendations for your next UK break while you wait for Millom to make its comeback. Why not try one of Time Out’s favourite things to do in the country, or embark on one of these top rated Great British road trips? For something a bit more out there, have a look at these cool islands scattered across England, or check out these haunted places you can visit.
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