Initial work to prepare for a multi-million pound transformation of Kendal's historic Indoor Market Hall has been completed.
Work including perimeter wall repairs, roof replacement, solar PV installation, an internal strip out, electric works and redecoration have been undertaken by local construction company Top Notch Contractors Ltd, funded by £840,126 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Thanks to funding from Phase 4 of the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the gas fired heating is to be removed and replaced with an air source heat pump system, with further measures such as energy-efficient LED lighting and automated doors to follow.
Specialist consultants Market Curators have been appointed to guide the project through its next stages towards completion and reopening as a vibrant and attractive destination within the town and the wider county.
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This has been a golden opportunity to revitalise the Market Hall and to provide Kendal with an upgraded community and commercial space which is fit for the 21st Century. This development will add to the town centre’s identity as a great place where residents, workers and visitors alike can enjoy shopping, visiting and spending time.
"Kendal has had a Market Charter since 1189 and Westmorland and Furness Council takes the responsibility of being the market’s custodians very seriously. Deciding how we proceed now is not something to take lightly and we understand that stakeholders and the wider community need to be involved in developing future plans. Now the Heart of Kendal funding is secure we can crack on and create something really special."
This next, critical phase is funded as part of the Heart of Kendal programme, which saw government confirm in February an award of up to £13,476,700 for town centre regeneration schemes and improvements to connectivity along the River Kent.
Market Curators will carry out engagement with market stakeholders and the wider community over the coming months to offer the opportunity to input into the designs and the future look, feel and offer of the new Market Hall.
Around 220 people spoke to council officers at engagement sessions at the market in October and gave views on stall design; internal and external decoration and design; events and activities; accessibility and inclusivity; and the preferred type of traders.
They will also produce detailed architectural designs and support the council with securing an exciting mix of tenants for the new Market Hall and plans for a future commercial and operating model across the council’s markets.
Once a contractor has been appointed for the design and build the next stage of works to fully regenerate the Market Hall will require an extended closure, with the works expected to be completed and the building reopened by autumn 2027.
Work continues on the other projects within the Heart of Kendal programme; repurposing the Westmorland Shopping Centre to provide new education accommodation to create a third campus for Kendal College; renewal of Market Place and Kent Street to enhance public realm in the heart of the town; transforming the riverside path between Lowther Street and Abbot Hall into an active travel route connecting the River Kent to the town centre.