A bandstand at Penrith’s Castle Park is set to be revitalised as a part of plans to create a welcoming, accessible event space for the community.
Managed by Westmorland and Furness Council, Castle Park takes its name from Penrith Castle, which is a prominent feature of the park.
With colourful flower beds, mature trees and open lawns, the park provides an outdoor green space for local communities and visitors, offering facilities such as a playground, tennis courts, bowling green and obstacle golf course.
The park is also home to a bandstand which is a locally listed heritage asset built in 1923.
Later this year, the council will renovate the bandstand and enhance the surrounding area to create a much more suitable and welcoming setting for community events.
The first phase of improvements will begin in the week commencing Monday 16 March, starting with tree works around the bandstand area.
Throughout the week, 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 works will improve sight lines and help restore the bandstand as a focal point in Castle Park.
Councillor Vicky Hughes, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Active Wellbeing, said:
"Castle Park is such a cherished part of our community, and we’re excited to bring the bandstand back to life.
"These improvements, from the refurbishment of the bandstand to careful tree management, will create a welcoming, accessible space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy everything the park has to offer.
“The timing of the work takes advantage of the current seasonal window for tree management, while also supporting plans to bring the bandstand back into use.
"We look forward to seeing more people take advantage of the park’s facilities and green spaces, and to planning the next phase of enhancements later this year."
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 ‘Master Plan’ for the park that is currently being developed by Westmorland and Furness Council together with Penrith Town Council and the Friends of Castle Park.
The plan will be informed by feedback from the 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 spokesperson, said:
"Improvements to Castle Park are welcomed, and the Town Council is pleased to have been briefed on the initial works 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.
"Some exciting news for this summer is that the park will host 'The Great Penrith Picnic' on Saturday 4 July, delivered by Penrith Town Council in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council.
“The event will showcase the town’s summer programme, with live music, wild play activities, sports taster sessions and a range of local charitable and sporting organisations. For more information about this event, please keep an eye on penrithartsandculture.co.uk."