21st August 2026
WORK has begun on a £50 million regeneration project that will transform a derelict parcel of industrial land into one of the most significant centres for innovation, manufacturing and technology in the North of England.
Ground crews have moved onto Leconfield Industrial Estate in Cleator Moor to begin work on the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) Enterprise Campus, a development designed to bring together ambitious businesses, skilled workers and industry leaders in a single location.
The first phase will see the construction of two high-specification business units at a cost of £23.6 million, creating space for companies to grow, collaborate and invest in the area. The buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Gary McKeating, Managing Director of iSH, said: “We’ve spent a lot of time talking to businesses, partners and the local community about what we want to achieve here, so seeing people and machinery on site finally makes it very real.
“For me, this is about much more than buildings. It’s about creating a place where the doers, fixers and problem-solvers can come together, share ideas and grow, and where local people can connect to the jobs and opportunities that growth creates.
“This is an exciting moment for Cleator Moor and West Cumbria, and now the hard work really starts – making sure we turn this investment into something that delivers for the area for many years to come.”
The iSH Enterprise Campus is an economic regeneration initiative led by Cumberland Council with funding and support from Government through Town Deal and Levelling Up programmes, and other strategic partners including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd.
The development of the site forms part of the wider regeneration programme being delivered across West Cumbria by iSH.
The Campus is intended to become a focal point for the region’s growing capabilities in robotics, advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies, creating a place where businesses can collaborate, innovate and grow while connecting local people with new skills, careers and opportunities.
Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd CEO, said: “We’re proud to support iSH and the development of the iSH Enterprise Campus.
“This is about supporting our mission while creating lasting social and economic impact.
“We’re particularly keen for our supply chain to actively engage. My message to our supply chain is simple: engage with iSH, be part of the campus, and help us build a stronger industrial capability here in west Cumbria.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “This is another important step forward for this project and is great news for Cleator Moor and the wider Cumberland economy.
“We want our area to grow and to thrive. Developments of this type support the foundation for future investment.”
iSH delivers programmes that build on the region’s nuclear heritage to showcase its capacity for industrial innovation and technical capability.”
James Garnett – Operations Director, Morgan Sindall Construction, added: “We are pleased to be working with Cumberland Council and iSH to bring forward this important development in Cleator Moor. The Enterprise Campus represents a significant investment in the future of West Cumbria, creating high-quality, sustainable space that will support business growth, innovation, and skills development across the region.
“As construction gets underway, our focus will be on delivering facilities that provide long-term value for the local economy, while also creating opportunities for local people and businesses throughout the build process. We look forward to playing our part in helping realise the ambitions for the Enterprise Campus and supporting the wider generation of the area.”
The units provide double height flexible workspace and will be tailored to meet the needs of the local and regional business community, with the flexibility to support a range of uses including:
Single occupancy by established businesses.
‘Grow-on’ units for businesses looking to take the next step.
High-quality industrial materials will be used with strong but simple aesthetics with muted black cladding for the external envelope with vibrant accent colour cladding to gables.
Features include:
- Subdivision potential – can be configured to meet varied business needs.
- Steel frame construction with modern, insulated cladding.
- Ample space for loading, storage and on-site parking.
- Flexible internal layout to suit occupier requirements.
- Powered by green energy Including photovoltaic panels and heat pumps.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ‘A’ rating.
- EV charging.
- Eaves height 8m.
Any businesses interested in finding out more, should contact: