Employment opportunities could be being hindered by Eden District Council’s delay in leasing out the now-closed Appleby Heritage Centre, councillors fear.
The former heritage centre for many years provided a wealth of education opportunities to the town as well as employment. It was closed in March, 2020, after funding problems sent it into administration.
The land and buildings, situated close to Appleby railway station, were late last year taken back under the control of Eden Council, which hoped to restore it as a hub and centre of activity to help businesses thrive.
However, 16 months on, the building remains empty and a number of Appleby town councillors have spoken out about their concerns.
Jim Chalmers said he was aware of a local businessman who, since the centre closed, has been repeatedly trying to lease part of the building, but to no avail.
The business owner hopes to lease part of the building to enable him to expand his current venture, which could create an opportunity for a young person in the area through an apprenticeship and create new employment for the town.
Mr Chalmers said: “I can understand that COVID would have contributed towards the delay but it does seem an extraordinary amount of time to negotiate a lease on an empty building.”
Appleby mayor Gareth Hayes added: “It’s an incredibly important asset to the town and it would be a scandal if it were left to decay. It’s an obvious area for expedited reopening and the opportunities are plentiful. It’s very disappointing to see very little, if anything, happening with its future.”
Andy Connell, of Appleby Town Council and chairman of Eden District Council, said the authority is awaiting confirmation of costs to sub-meter various units at the heritage centre.
Previously, all buildings were within the training centre and therefore gas and electricity was all on one meter. Work will need to be carried out in advance of any leases being put into place so that any energy usage by the individual units can be clearly identified and billed accordingly.
Mary Robinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economies and enterprise at Eden Council, said: “Eden District Council is actively undertaking an options appraisal for the Appleby Heritage Centre site, which has been delayed due to the pandemic.
“The process has taken longer than we had hoped for two reasons.
“Firstly, when the property first became vacant, liquidators for the previous tenants had to take time to assess the centre’s assets and to whom they belonged.
“After this was completed, the pandemic struck in March 2020, and the council’s focus was on the COVID response.
“As the pandemic response has now moved out of the emergency phase and on to recovery, the council is looking forward to progressing options to determine the future of the site.”
