Farm to Fuel Hub
The Farm to Fuel Hub is an economically strategic proposal in the post-industrial town of Cleator Moor, Cumbria. Set against the beautifully dramatic backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Lake District mountain range, the hub aims to revitalise the local economy by combining sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and culinary tourism.
Located beside a key route into town, the project takes advantage of its position to draw visitors into Cleator Moor and act as a catalyst for regional regeneration. Essential EV charging infrastructure is integrated into the scheme, addressing growing national demand and supporting low-carbon transport targets. By offering convenient charging alongside quality amenities, the hub attracts both commuters and tourists, reinforcing Cleator Moor’s identity as a progressive and environmentally conscious destination.
The hub is designed to be self-sustaining, featuring on-site wind energy generation and a working farm with livestock, greenhouses, and cultivated fields. These support a farm-to-table restaurant, farm shop, and café, where guests enjoy high-quality meals prepared with produce grown metres away while observing the full food production cycle.
Architecturally, the scheme draws from traditional Cumbrian rural homes, with pitched roofs, timber framing, and a grounded material palette. Locally sourced wood reflects vernacular building methods and reduces environmental impact. The site’s heritage as a flax mill is subtly referenced through reclaimed brick flooring gathered on-site from the demolished mill and linen shades in the dining spaces.
More than a place to stop and recharge, the Farm to Fuel Hub contributes to long-term resilience by creating employment, supporting skills development, and fostering community engagement with sustainable practices. The proposal reimagines rural development through a holistic experience that reconnects people with land, energy, and each other, centred on the enduring value of local food and sustainable living.
