People are invited to have their say about the £3.5 million redevelopment of Penrith Town Hall.
Westmorland & Furness Council want to turn the former authority offices into a space for culture, heritage, creativity and enterprise.
A total of £3 million from the Government’s Levelling Up funding and a further £500,000 ringfenced from the Borderlands Place Programme has so far been secured could be used for the project.
It is about to launch a community conversation about the building, so people can have an input into the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed building.
From next week, the council will work with the Penrith Borderlands Town Team, cultural partners, and community representatives and said it aimed to inspire the people of Penrith and surrounding areas to co-create a shared vision for the town hall.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness cabinet member for communities, customer services, culture and communications, said: “Penrith Town Hall has stood at the heart of the town for generations as a place where decisions were made, events were celebrated, and civic pride has always been visible.
“We now have an exciting opportunity to secure major investment that will protect its heritage while creating a dynamic hub for the whole community.
“We are committed to developing this with, and for, the people of Penrith, ensuring the town hall continues to inspire, connect and support future generations.”
People can contribute their views and ideas through a programme of activities including a survey, workshops and creative events.
The council said it aimed to make sure all voices were heard including young people, older residents and underrepresented groups.
The feedback will help inform a business case and design options for consideration by Westmorland and Furness cabinet members, it said.
The community conversation will run from next week to mid-October. The authority has yet to release full details about how people can take part.
