Pioneer Park is an ambitious opportunity to position West Cumbria at the forefront of clean energy, AI technology and innovation. Building on the area’s world-class industrial and nuclear heritage, the project is designed to attract major private investment, create high-value jobs and drive long-term economic growth for local people and communities.
Set on land next to Sellafield at Moorside, Pioneer Park is being developed as a strategic clean energy, AI technology and innovation site with the potential to unlock significant private investment in West Cumbria. It is intended to create the conditions for new industries, strengthen the local economy and support lasting opportunities for future generations.
Through Pioneer Park, we’re looking to create a stronger, more reliable future for West Cumbria by:
Diversifying the West Cumbrian economy away from over-reliance on nuclear decommissioning so that it is more vibrant and resilient.
Regenerating towns in West Cumbria so that they are attractive places for people to live and to visit.
Ensuring the mission‑critical national priority of nuclear decommissioning is delivered by securing the people, skills, supply chain and infrastructure required for success.
Producing clean energy to support the local economy and community.
Driving long-term job creation in West Cumbria by attracting high-value industries, supporting business growth, and developing a skilled local workforce.
The area has a generational legacy in nuclear and heavy industry. Pioneer Park will build on this strength by supporting the deployment of new clean energy technologies, creating new career pathways, and restoring confidence through regeneration.
By reinvesting in the area and reimagining its future, Pioneer Park will help create communities that feel confident about what lies ahead, while encouraging innovation and keeping West Cumbria firmly on the national map. This future could include:
By bringing community benefit and economic growth together Pioneer Park aims to create lasting, positive, change for West Cumbria.
Increased investment and economic activity at Pioneer Park will contribute to:
In June 2025, the UK Government announced plans to explore hundreds of acres of land around Sellafield, including Moorside, for a major clean energy development called Pioneer Park. Backed by DESNZ, the project aims to create opportunities in new nuclear and low-carbon energy, support economic growth in West Cumbria and reduce long-term reliance on Sellafield.
In December 2025, £1m of NDA funding was confirmed to accelerate Pioneer Park’s development. A competitive procurement process was also launched to appoint a specialist master planner to shape the site’s long-term vision and layout.
In March 2026, Mott MacDonald and WSP were appointed through a competitive procurement process to lead Pioneer Park’s master planning. This marked an important step in turning the vision into a deliverable, high-quality framework to guide detailed design and future investment.
Community engagement sessions will give local people, businesses and community groups the chance to input into Pioneer Park’s emerging master plan. This will help make sure the development reflects what matters most to West Cumbria and brings real benefits to local communities and the economy.
By early Autumn 2026, Pioneer Park’s master plan is expected to be ready, setting out the vision for the site, how it could be laid out and how it could be delivered over time. This will be an important step in moving the project from ideas into action. The plan will then go forward for review and approval before the next stage of delivery begins.
In early 2027, work begins to build support and secure the investment needed to bring Pioneer Park forward and turn the master plan into delivery on the ground.
Sellafield Ltd is the UK’s largest nuclear site, responsible for the safe and secure management of nuclear materials and one of the biggest employers in West Cumbria. With a highly skilled workforce and world‑leading expertise, it plays a central role in the region’s economy and future. Its involvement anchors Pioneer Park around mission‑critical nuclear decommissioning, helping to drive innovation, attract investment and create high‑quality jobs across West Cumbria.
