About

Young people have the right to voice their opinions about Penrith New Squares because they have varied experiences, great ideas and plenty of enthusiasm. Background information on the Eden Media main site provides context for the youth consultation. In addition the following information may be useful

In 1999 Eden District Council published its first planning brief for a new shopping-led development in Penrith. The scheme is aimed at revitalising the town in the face of continued competition from rival centres such as Carlisle and Kendal that are drawing shoppers away from Penrith. The Southend Road area was identified as the most appropriate site, providing a basis for the extension of Penrith town centre to include a more attractive shopping experience, particularly for families and young people , and encouraging residents to shop locally.

Lowther Maneli Properties were selected as the preferred developer in 2003, and Sainsbury’s was appointed as food operator for the scheme. A planning application was approved by the Council and work started on building the foundations.

Regrettably, investment for the scheme was withdrawn due to the ‘credit crunch’ while the economic downturn has led to the drying up of any new funding. Work on site halted in September 2008.

Eden District Council is committed to resolving the situation and continues to be a vibrant place to shop and visit now and in the future. With this in mind, the Council began discussions with Sainsbury’s to explore potential solutions.

Sainsbury’s Scheme Proposals and benefits

• Regenerate and revitalise the town centre and attract shoppers to penrith. Currently Penrith only retains 66% of food spending and 36% of non-food spending.
• Create around 950 new full and part-time jobs
• A new Sainsbury’s store for Penrith, including mezzanine level customer restaurant (see Options 1 & 2)
• A ‘retail link’ pedestrian route to the town centre, made up of shops, apartments, restaurants, cafes and bars and improved pedestrian route to the town centre.
• A multi-storey car park, with up to 980 spaces.
• 125 additional surface car parking spaces.
• Up to 198 residential units – including 50% affordable homes.
• Four new town squares, the largest of which will be used as a major venue for markets and entertainment.
• New football stadium at Frenchfield (now complete with grant from NWDA).
• Upgrade Country park at Wetheriggs with picnic areas, surfaced paths and a sustainably managed woodland.
• Substantial investment in upgrading the Kemplay roundabout at the southern entrance to Penrith at the junction of the A6 and the A66

The three options now on the table are as follows:

Option 1. Council’s preferred option – To endorse Sainsbury’s new proposals for a development of the Southend Road site with housing, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and a 78,000 sqft gross Sainsbury’s store.

Option 2. Sainsbury’s preferred option – To endorse new proposals for a development of the Southend Road site with housing, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and a 90,000 sqft gross Sainsbury’s store.

Options 3. To ask Eden District Council to remarket the Southend Road site to find an alternative investor, developer, and supermarket operator.

The video booth set up at the Penrith Leisure Centre has now captured young people opinions.