Mott MacDonald and WSP will help deliver Pioneer Park, supporting clean energy growth around Sellafield.
Global engineering and professional services consultancies Mott MacDonald and WSP have been appointed to deliver the site masterplan and programme management office (PMO) for Pioneer Park, a large-scale clean energy and economic development programme in West Cumbria.
Commissioned by local development company Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BEC), the initiative will shape development opportunities across more than 400 acres of land owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority near the Sellafield nuclear complex.
The Pioneer Park programme forms part of the UK’s wider clean energy transition strategy and is designed to support regional economic diversification while building digital and energy infrastructure around one of the country’s most important nuclear locations.
Masterplan and programme management office
Under the appointment, Mott MacDonald and WSP will act as master planner and programme management office lead for Pioneer Park. Their responsibilities include shaping the development strategy, coordinating programme delivery, and establishing governance frameworks to support a complex multi-stakeholder project.
The organisations will collaborate closely with BEC, the Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cumberland Council to develop a masterplan that aligns infrastructure, energy generation and investment opportunities.
With experience spanning nuclear infrastructure, regional development and major capital programmes, the partnership aims to deliver a structured pathway for investment while ensuring the scheme generates social, economic and environmental value for West Cumbria.
Strategic clean energy and digital infrastructure development
First announced by the UK Prime Minister in 2025, Pioneer Park will explore development opportunities across land surrounding Sellafield while recognising the operational requirements of the UK’s largest nuclear complex.
The programme will support a combination of advanced nuclear solutions, clean energy generation and digital infrastructure, creating the conditions for data centre development and energy-intensive industries that require secure and reliable power.
By integrating nuclear capability with digital infrastructure planning, the Pioneer Park development aims to establish a model for future clean energy hubs across the UK. The masterplan will examine how advanced nuclear technologies could underpin large-scale energy supply while supporting regional economic development and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Supporting economic diversification in West Cumbria
The initiative is designed to strengthen and diversify the economy of West Cumbria, a region historically linked to the nuclear sector. While nuclear decommissioning will remain a central activity, Pioneer Park seeks to broaden the economic base through clean energy investment, supply-chain development and skills growth.
The programme also aims to contribute to town centre regeneration and long-term employment opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of large infrastructure programmes extend beyond the Sellafield site itself.
By creating an ecosystem that supports energy generation, digital infrastructure and innovation, Pioneer Park intends to provide a foundation for sustained economic activity and investment across the region.
Industry perspectives
Kerry Hancock, general manager of the UK advisory business at Mott MacDonald, highlighted the significance of the project.
“Pioneer Park is a nationally significant programme and a transformational opportunity for West Cumbria, and we’re proud to play a central role in shaping its future. With decades of heritage supporting the UK’s energy and nuclear sectors, we understand the region’s strengths and its importance to the nation’s clean energy ambitions.
“The appointment reflects our long-term commitment to West Cumbria and our proven excellence in advisory and PMO services. We look forward to working with BEC and WSP to create a development that drives clean energy innovation, unlocks new economic opportunities and delivers lasting benefits for local communities.”
Stuart McLaren, head of nuclear and energy sector director at WSP, emphasised the programme’s infrastructure potential.
“We’re excited to be working with BEC and partnering with Mott MacDonald to help shape the vision for Pioneer Park. It has the potential to set a new benchmark for how clean energy and digital infrastructure are brought together in the UK, while delivering meaningful long-term benefits for West Cumbria and its surrounding environment.
“Our role is focused on helping develop a proposition that is not just ambitious, but genuinely investable, consentable and deliverable, with a clear pathway through to long-term operation. By bringing together nuclear, environmental planning and major consenting expertise, we are supporting a masterplan that can enable advanced nuclear solutions to underpin future data-centre and clean-energy development at scale — building the confidence needed to move from vision to delivery.”
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, added: “Appointing Mott MacDonald and WSP is a significant step forward for Pioneer Park and, importantly, for West Cumbria.
“This programme represents a real opportunity to build on the region’s long-standing expertise in nuclear and energy, while creating new pathways for investment, skills and economic diversification.
“Pioneer Park is about securing a prosperous future for West Cumbria. By bringing in experienced partners we are ensuring the project is deliverable and aligned with the region’s needs.
“Our focus is on creating long-term economic value, supporting local towns and communities, and positioning West Cumbria at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future.”
Read next: How advanced cyber fraud Is targeting SMEs – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
