A former West Cumbrian factory is set to become the base of a leading regional firm.
Genr8north has applied for permission to transform the derelict Kangol factory in Cleator into office space.
If Cumberland Council give it the go-ahead, leading project management and engineering company React Engineering plans to move in.
Originally built as a flax mill in 1800, the site became the factory for hat brand Kangol in 1938. It supplied up to a million berets to the British armed forces during World War Two.
Post-war, Kangol expanded globally, with exports reaching 49 countries and production peaking at 120,000 berets weekly in 1957.
At its peak, it employed 600 people.
It became one of Cumbria’s most famous companies, producing headwear worn by celebrities. The factory closed in 2009 and many of the buildings have since fallen into disrepair.
The application said: “Remaining buildings left over from the former works were in a state of disrepair and have been demolished.
“Due to previous regeneration work, the site provides workshops for local businesses, as well as a park and ride scheme for Sellafield Ltd.
“The former mill factory buildings on the site have over the years been demolished. Only one factory building remains.”
Presently, Speedy Hire has a unit on the large site and last year, permission was granted for initial work on the mill building.
