A Cockermouth arts organisation has revealed that it wants to redevelop the site of a former athletics clubhouse in the town.
It has now revealed that it wants to create a purpose-built centre on the site to increase the heritage side of its activities.
It is working on an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to cover the first phase of redevelopment, including a feasibility study, community consultation and the development of a building plan.
A spokesman said: “We want to encourage everyone to join us on this journey, as this resource would be for the town as a whole.
“A place not just to look at artefacts, but for young and old, locals and visitors alike to understand and engage with Cockermouth’s, and the surrounding area’s, past as well as produce and maintain the heritage collection of the future.”
Originally a temporary classroom, the building was erected after the war to accommodate more pupils in the original All Saints School, now the Kirkgate Centre.
The building was bought by an anonymous donor and passed on to Kirkgate Arts with a long-term aim in mind.
The spokesman added: “The building was never designed to have lasted so long, and with asbestos in its fabric and the condition deteriorating over the years it is time to say farewell.
“We have employed the skills of a local asbestos removal and demolition firm to complete the clearance of the site.
The first stage is to safely remove all the asbestos containing building materials and then clear the interior. We are anticipating this work to take about a week.
“As soon as we have received the go ahead from building control – as we are waiting for our planning application to be approved – and ensuring that all necessary surveys have been completed, they will begin work on the demolition, which will take around a week.
“The contractors are keeping disruption of the car park to an absolute minimum, with only a few bays being kept clear for the work to be completed. We are in contact with the council to make sure the site is safe and that work is completed swiftly.
