Kendal Marketplace set for £200K upgrade

The Lib Dem-run district council has earmarked over £170K to upgrade and improve Kendal Marketplace, as part of a £200K project. Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the plans, saying they will transform the town centre.

The aim of the project is to make the historic Kendal Market Place a more welcoming and atmospheric place for residents and visitors, and to encourage a vibrant cafe culture, evening economy and quality retail environment.

The planned improvements include new, greener lighting to replace the old lamp standards, many of which are currently broken. Two new central lighting columns would be installed, supporting heritage lanterns with LED lights. Other improvements will also be included in the plans, which will be put to public consultation next month.

In addition to more than £170K from South Lakeland District Council, the County Council will contribute £30K and Kendal Town Council will give £15K.

Tim said: "The Lib Dem-run District Council is working hard to improve our area, and this is another example of that. Many of the old lamp standards are in a state of disrepair, and detract from Kendal's historic centre. The upgrades would transform the Marketplace, making it smarter, greener, and helping to attract more people to Kendal's town centre. My thanks go to the District Council for bringing these plans forward and providing the cash to make them possible, as well as to the County Council and Town Council for their financial support."