1937-1939
In the 1930s Maryport was hit by the Great Depression/suffering from high unemployment and deprivation following the decline/closure of many of its key industries. In May 1936, the Government awarded a Special Areas Grant to construct a sea wall at Maryport as part of a scheme to facilitate economic development and social improvement in areas of Britain which had the highest unemployment. Maryport Urban District Council (1866-1970) received a grant of £44,000 towards the construction of a sea wall and the scheme was put out to tender. 13 companies tendered and the submissions ranged from £50,000 to £80,000, well above the estimated cost, reflecting the rising cost of materials at that time. In June 1937, the Council, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, accepted a tender of £50,772 for the erection of the new sea wall and carriageway fronting the Sea Brows. The project was carried out by contractor; Van Hattum’s Harbour Works Ltd of London. As an unemployment relief scheme, the construction work supported the employment of up to one hundred local unemployed men, with preference given to married men of 35 years of age and upwards with families. The sea wall and promenade took fifteen months to build and was completed in January 1939.
