A West Cumbrian arts centre has been given £100,000 to improve its building.
The cash, awarded to the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth by Allerdale council, will allow it to upgrade its fire exit, replace gas boilers and windows on the first floor plus install catering facilities.
The Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Trust, which manages the Kirkgate, updated its strategy this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new strategy outlines plans to develop the Kirkgate Centre into a thriving multi-functional cultural hub at the heart of a proposed Kirkgate Creative Quarter in Cockermouth.
The trust also aims to involve a wider range of people in the centre’s offering, by delivering more programmes, projects and activities that meet the needs of the existing, and future audiences and increase community participation.
Leader of Allerdale council Mike Johnson, said: “I’m delighted to see that the council has been able to support the Kirkgate Centre in repairing and upgrading the building.
“These essential upgrades will undoubtedly contribute towards improving the arts, cultural and heritage offer to our residents and visitors, and will help the trust in achieving their aim of improving and diversifying the centre’s offer to existing and future audiences.
“This project is now well underway, so we hope to see swift progress. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact this project has for the people of Cockermouth.”
David Thomas, treasurer of the Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Trust, said: “The money that we have received from Allerdale Borough Council has allowed us to make swift progress on our planned program of improvements to the building.
“This will improve the visitor experience for locals and tourists and help the trust to meet our aim of providing a space that people love to come to and enjoy the cultural, heritage and community experiences that we offer here. We are thrilled that Allerdale has been able to help us in this way.”
