Penrith’s future is in our hands.
A group of townsfolk came together to discuss the future of Penrith’s high street and town centre.
The group has become known as Penrith Futures Partnership.
It comprised of people from backgrounds including finance, building development, property management, business, retail, catering, entertainment, politics, academia, environmental groups and school students.
The group has come up with proposals for reshaping and reimagining Penrith – and needs your help to take the next steps.
Penrith town centre lies at the heart of the Penrith and Eden communities.
It is also at the centre of the local economy where it has a role in creating jobs, nurturing small businesses and in providing leisure, recreational, cultural and retail experiences.
However, it is widely understood that there have been irreversible changes in the way that communities now interact with the high streets in their town centres and this has been exacerbated by a huge increase in online shopping. Penrith is no exception.
We must now plan for a reshaped, reimagined Penrith that acknowledges our rich heritage, restores our cultural identity and preserves our uniqueness and character.
The alternative, in Penrith Futures’ view, is a spiral of decline, degeneration and decay.
With the support of the local community and a wide coalition of partners, we must seize the opportunity to reinvigorate the beating heart of Penrith.
The Penrith Futures Partnerships has come up with a wishlist of possibilities – but wants to know what the people of Penrith and the surrounding areas think.
Penrith Futures wishlist
Economy
- Repurposed buildings
- Changes to planning rules
- More residential dwellings – apartments above shops/change of use of commercial premises
- A thriving market and regular market day
- A mix of independent retail offerings
- An increase in experiential retail
- Pop-up shops particularly aimed at young entrepreneurs
- Short-term leases to encourage new businesses
- A resilient night-time economy
- Appropriate car parking for residents, visitors and commercial users
- More responsive to shifting trends
- Increased powers over Compulsory Purchase Orders
- Local control of business rates
- Encouragement for more visitors staying in Penrith accommodation
Culture and Identity
- A clear identity and unique selling point
- More cafes, bars and restaurants, with outside spaces
- More educational and hobby-type venues
- Arts and culture venues, spaces and galleries
- More ‘events’
- Music performances from the bandstand
- A co-ordinated and promoted arts and events programme
- Development and promotion of tourism attractions
- Repositioning of Tourist Information Centre
- Upcycling and repair hubs
- Additional heritage trails
- More information plaques and signage
- A foodie presence and culture (market, restaurants, etc)
- Performing arts
- More facilities for young people
Environment
- A greener, cleaner, safer environment
- Preserve the Beacon and, if possible, bring into public or community ownership
- Better air quality
- Hard and soft landscaping
- More flowers and planning
- Better signposting
- Improved street furniture
- Improvements to Castle Park
- More green spaces
- Priority to pedestrians
- Possible zonal layout with a food quarter and retail quarter etc
- Carbon neutral footprint
- Promotion of the visual impact of the 17th century architecture in the town
Health & Wellbeing
- New, safe walking and cycling routes
- Jogging and cycling tracks/lanes
- Greater access to health facilities (including exercise hubs) in the town centre
- Activities to aid social prescribing
- Centrally located doctors, dentists, opticians etc
- Increased opportunity for social interaction
- Community meeting hubs
- Easy access for people with disabilities or mobility issues
- Improved sports and recreation facilities in Castle Park
How can I get involved with Penrith Futures?
Read the full report here:
Join in the conversation on Facebook with the Penrith Futures Partnership group here.
Fill out the form below:
