Summergrove Halls transformation showcased
Summergrove Halls opened its doors to invited guests from the local community last Friday to showcase the transformation of the former Sellafield Ltd training facility, mothballed in 2012, to West Cumbria’s first residential campus.
The revamp provides 131 en-suite rooms across three accommodation halls each of which has been named after an eminent scientist or engineer with close associations to West Cumbria. Guests attending the event had the opportunity to tour the facilities, which include a fully-equipped fitness studio, laundry, free Wi-Fi internet, a bar lounge and on site catering.
The £2.2m refurbishment project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) who has provided a long lease on the site and a £1.6m grant from Britain’s Energy Coast, drawing on funding from the NDA (£1.08m) and Sellafield Ltd (£520,000).
Summergrove Halls is part of Britain’s Energy Coast Campus, a consortium of the education and training providers set up by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the University of Cumbria in 2009. Situated in rural surroundings outside Moor Row the Halls provide high quality accommodation for anyone working or studying in the area whilst also providing modern conferencing facilities for up to 80 delegates.
Mike Smith, Summergrove Halls Chairman, said; "The Universities, Colleges and Training providers that are working in Britain’s Energy Coast have been telling us for a long time that there is a real need for specialist accommodation. It has taken a while to bring Summergrove Halls on stream but it is now a great product and it’s fantastic to see it open for business."
The final stage of the Summergrove project will see work commence on a footpath linking the Halls to Westlakes Science and Technology Park, providing convenient access to the academic and research institutions based on what has become a hub for West Cumbria’s nuclear sector.
Steve Szostak, Chief Executive of Britain’s Energy Coast, said; “You cannot help but be impressed by the high quality of the accommodation and facilities at Summergrove Halls: it will be the perfect home for those coming to West Cumbria to learn at our growing network of world-class educational facilities. Funding from BEC and our partners the NDA and Sellafield Ltd demonstrates a significant investment in the futures of those who will, in turn, help build a brighter and more prosperous future for the region.”
Summergrove Halls is aptly named after the Georgian Mansion which formerly stood on the site. With records dating back to before 1760 the house was considered to be the best Georgian residence in the County before falling into disrepair and eventually being demolished, although some of the original features such as the sandstone entrance gates still remain.
Anyone wishing to enquire about rooms or book conference space can do so by phoning 01946 813328 or emailing info@summergrovehalls.co.uk, with more information available from www.summergrovehalls.co.uk.
