BEC received £1m funding to progress Pioneer Park forward

We are pleased to share that BEC has received £1 million in funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to begin work on a detailed masterplan for Pioneer Park.

This marks an important step forward for West Cumbria as we look to strengthen the region’s clean energy and technology future.

What is the funding for?

Pioneer Park sits on land next to Sellafield and has long been identified as a site with the potential to support the next generation of energy and digital infrastructure.

The funding will allow us to set out how Small Modular Reactors, artificial intelligence and data facilities could come together to create new jobs, attract investment and support long-term regeneration across the area.

This progress follows several months of coordinated work through the Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP, and involving the NDA, Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Hear from stakeholders

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “This is a significant milestone in the plan to bring new nuclear to West Cumbria. The masterplan will give us a clear route to deliver clean energy, new technology and long-term jobs for our community.

“West Cumbria led the world in nuclear innovation once before - and with this next step, we’re getting closer to doing it again.”

Our Chief Executive, Michael Pemberton, said: “This announcement shows that momentum is building behind Pioneer Park. BEC has worked hard alongside our partners to make the case for new nuclear and AI investment, and today’s funding gives us the resources to set out a detailed, ambitious plan for the site.

“This is a big step forward for our area and for the future of clean growth in West Cumbria.”

David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, added: “The NDA is proud to support this next stage of work at Pioneer Park. The project builds on West Cumbria’s unrivalled nuclear expertise while looking firmly to the future - creating opportunities for new technologies, skills and investment that will benefit the local community for generations.”

The Masterplan

The masterplan will guide planning, investment and infrastructure decisions through 2026 and move the project from its early concept stage towards delivery.

It will also build on the recent market engagement work, which showed strong interest from industry in seeing the site developed for clean energy, advanced technology and data uses.

Pioneer Park sits within BEC’s broader programme of regeneration projects; together these schemes reflect our commitment to creating places and opportunities that support local people, skills and enterprise.

It shows growing confidence in the region and in the role we can play in supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions. We look forward to working closely with our partners as we take the next steps in shaping Pioneer Park and the economic future it can help unlock.