Residents, community representatives and creatives have until this Friday (10th October 2025) to help shape a shared vision for the future of Penrith Town Hall.
In the final few days of what the council has called a “Community Conversation”, residents are being encouraged to share their ideas on how Penrith Town Hall could be transformed by reimagining its role the council are saying will be as a “vibrant, creative and community-focused space for the future”.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:
“The response so far has been fantastic. It’s been wonderful to see so many people take part in creative and thoughtful ways, showing just how much Penrith Town Hall means to the community. The passion and ideas being shared are helping us build a vision that honours the history of this civic landmark, while reimagining it as a thriving creative and community space for future generations.
“If you haven’t already shared your views, there’s still time. You can complete our online survey or pick up a paper copy at key buildings across the area until Friday 10 October. Your feedback will help shape the future of this much-loved building at the heart of our town.”
Since launching the Penrith Town Hall Community Conversation last month, the Council, working with the Penrith Borderlands Town Team, community representatives and creative partners have delivered a wide range of workshops, events and pop-up activities designed to inspire and capture local ideas.
From market stalls where a comic artist illustrated people’s visions for the Town Hall, to the popular pop-up pump track that attracted residents of all ages, the engagement has been lively, imaginative and inclusive.
Direct community conversations in the town centre have also provided opportunities for people to give their ideas and aspirations for the building first-hand.
One suggestion posted on a suggestions board in Penrith suggested it be turned into a given bike jump other suggestions included pop up market stall venue to a space for health services.
Across the sessions, people have shared ideas for how the Town Hall could be transformed into a thriving, vibrant creative and community space, from a youth art studio and gallery to a music practice and performance space, and a community hub focused on health and wellbeing.
As part of the councils “community conversation” The Knotted Project theatre company have led theatre experiences with young people, while Japanese visual artist Yoko has worked with care home residents through interactive workshops to bring ideas for the Town Hall to life.
The Community Conversation forms part of a major redevelopment project for Penrith Town Hall, supported by £3 million from the Government’s Levelling Up funding and a further £500,000 from the Borderlands Place Programme.
For more information and to take part in the consultation visit: www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/PenrithTownHall.
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