A Cumbrian park’s bandstand will be renovated.
It is part of plans to overhaul Penrith’s Castle Park to create a welcoming, accessible event space for the community.
Managed by Westmorland and Furness Council, the park is home to the bandstand, a locally listed heritage asset built in 1923.
Later this year, the council will renovate the bandstand and enhance the surrounding area.
The first phase of improvements will begin from Monday, March 16, starting with tree work around the bandstand area.
Nine holly trees will be crown lifted and carefully pruned so they regain a more appropriate size and shape for the setting.
Two of the largest holly trees will be removed as they have become significantly overgrown.
The trees scheduled for removal will be replaced, with planting locations to be considered as part of the future developments.
These initial improvements are part of a wider masterplan for the park that is currently being developed by Westmorland and Furness Council with Penrith Town Council and the Friends of Castle Park.
The plan will be informed by feedback from a community conversation and extensive community engagement carried out last year and will guide the detailed design of improvements across the entire green space.
A Penrith Town Council spokesman said: “Improvements to Castle Park are welcomed, and the town council is pleased to have been briefed on the initial work being taken forward.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with Westmorland and Furness Council as proposals develop further.
“The town council has identified £10,000 within its forthcoming financial year budget for investment in the park, and any future decisions on specific elements or projects will be subject to consideration by members.”
On Saturday July 4, the park will host the Great Penrith Picnic, which will feature live music, wild play activities, sports taster sessions and a range of local charitable and sporting organisations.
