A run-down block of flats in Penrith town centre is to be brought back to life in a £900,000 regeneration project.
The four-storey property, 7-9 Players Court on Castlegate, will be transformed into nine new self-contained one-bedroom flats to help with the need for local housing in the town.
The building, which has an attic and a basement along with a neighbouring annexe, was formerly a furniture salesroom and also a theatre for Penrith Players.
It used to be home to five one-bed flats and six bedsits but has stood deserted for some time.
Eden District Council has now granted planning permission to a social housing provider, Home Group, based in Newcastle.
Craig Ellis, senior regeneration development and delivery manager for the company, told the Herald: “We are pleased to be taking another step forward with our plans.
“We hope to start work delivering nine self-contained one-bedroom flats in 2023. We are currently in discussions with the local council and partners on how the properties will be used once complete.
“This will always be a needs-based approach, in keeping with our commitment to support the local community in Penrith.”
Mr Ellis said there had been no final plans agreed on how the properties would be used or who they would be available to, as those discussions were ongoing.
They got the go-ahead to convert the building and annexe, with a range of repairs and refurbishments planned in what will be a major building project.
Penrith Town Council, as a consultee, supported the plan on condition that the historic facade and features of the building was retained. Eden planners gave the go-ahead with several conditions.
The building is expected to be ready for occupation in 2024 – depending on developers and contractors.
