Plans have been revealed for a major revamp of Kendal’s Stricklandgate House.
The trust which runs the Grade II-listed venue has submitted an application for the project to Westmorland & Furness Council.
It said it was an exciting new phase for the building’s future.
Developed in partnership with Emil Eve Architects, the proposals form part of the Stricklandgate House 4 Sustainable Heritage project, which aims to safeguard and strengthen the building’s role at the heart of Kendal, the trust said.
Built in 1776, the building has been a private house, a bank, museum, council offices and is now home to a number of local charities facilitated by the Stricklandgate House Trust, a charity in its own right which has a 999-year lease on the building.
The trust was set up over 32 years ago.
Currently, 18 organisations are based in Stricklandgate House, over 50 use its counselling and conference facilities and annually over 13,000 people access services and support.
The trust was successful in its bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the development phase of the scheme and has passed the fund’s review in November.
It is now working towards securing a full grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project.
Work would include:
- Restoration and thermal upgrading of historic building elements
- The opportunity to open up its basement spaces
- The provision of fit for purpose accommodation for charities and third-sector services including increased work, meeting and counselling spaces.
- Communal meeting and support spaces for tenants and volunteers.
- An affordable and welcoming community cafe
- A flexible multi-purpose event space.
- The opportunity to share the trust’s archive collection.
- Improvements to toilets
The planning application said overall, the building was in a declining state of repair.
It added: “The Georgian properties have been poorly altered resulting in their heritage status being compromised. They are suffering from leaky roofs, degraded
pointing, damp and decay.”
Internal alterations proposed include:
- removal of modern partitions to restore historic layouts.
- repair and restoration of heritage elements such as coving, panelling and staircase.
- rationalisation of services focusing on unsympathetic additions detracting from/harming heritage elements.
- relocation of reception to create a more welcoming, secure and spacious entrance (widening of opening required).
- addition and upgrading of fire lobbies to all workspaces.
- creation of communal kitchen for tenants.
- improvement and creation of sanitary provision in line with Building Regulations and accessibility requirements.
- Upgrading lighting and electrical services.
- Upgrading flooring and redecorating.
The trust said: “The submission of the planning application marks a significant milestone, bringing the long-term vision for the building one step closer to reality.
“This major rejuvenation presents a unique opportunity to ensure Stricklandgate House can continue to provide vital support for charities and voluntary organisations, while adapting to the evolving needs of the sector and community.
“The new designs will sensitively enhance and secure the 18th century listed building, while transforming the 1960s extension into modern, welcoming, and fit-for-purpose community spaces.”
On Friday January 23, the trust will hold a drop-in session from 3pm to 7pm for people to ask questions about the redevelopment.
Jill Salmon, centre manager, said: “Community has always been at the heart of everything we do at Stricklandgate House, and that principle has guided every stage of this project.
“The proposed new and enhanced spaces will better support our tenants and the wider community, while ensuring the long-term future of this much-loved building.”
