Projects

Housing Study

The aim of the research was to better understand the housing market and economy of the area covered by the Partnership. Penrith, as the largest settlement, has been given particular focus. Shap, Glenridding and and Langwathby were also chosen as representative case study settlements.

Using the evidence base we have been able to gain a much better understanding of Penrith's local housing market and economy, and so to make more detailed recommendations on how Penrith should be treated in regional and local strategies to enable the community of the town and surrounding settlements to realise their sustainable potential.

Eden Ahead

Aim Higher Cumbria asked a lot of young people in Eden what they thought about education and work, and, not surprisingly there were different views. Some of you are really keen to go away to university, some expect to be living outside Cumbria, others are not so sure. Some say they would be happy to study more IF they knew it would help their career, and IF it could be local. Others feel that they hardly need to train at all after they get to 16.

A printed booklet available from Penrith Partnership shows you some local businesses that MIGHT be good places to work in the future. We don't know when, or if, jobs will come up in these businesses, but they all offer training to some of their employees, and will consider helping good young people to get on. If you would like a printed copy please email your request to penrith.mti@eden.gov.uk. The details of the local business can be seen in the Living section of this web site too.

Penrith Learning Partnership

The aim of the overall project will be to foster and establish a culture of learning and development among employers and employees in the Penrith MTI area, in the two predominant sectors of Retail and Hospitality. Focusing on developing those working in these two sectors will enable businesses to improve their product offering; assist in reversing the current trend of retail decline and contribute to the drive to improve the economy of the area and sub-region. The development of a culture of learning will better place businesses and their employees to take up and benefit from the opportunities presented by future local delivery from the new University of Cumbria.

This would build on the activity in the MTI Pride in Penrith Marketing project which works with businesses to help them identify their development needs. Penrith Partnership is also working closely with the Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, who have produced a Raising our Game paper which states the direction the town traders want to see themselves develop over the next few years to enable them to compete with the new large retail development due at the south end of Penrith and with other towns within Cumbria.

Facelift Scheme

Grants are now available to assist with improvement work to the front of business premises within the Penrith Town Centre Conservation Area.

External works to the property frontage including, replacement windows and doors, new signage, painting and improvements to rain-water infrastructure are eligible for grant assistance.

A grant will normally be made to cover the cost of up to 50% of eligible work to a maximum grant of £2,000.

Penrith Masterplan

The Master Plan is ambitious and puts in place a planning and design framework that looks ten years ahead to provide a shared sense of direction for Penrithís future. The next ten years offer a tremendous opportunity to set new standards and realise our vision of Penrith. The Master Plan identifies how to make better use of Penrith's undoubted assets including the speciality shops, historic buildings, townscape and public spaces. We also need to look to build on the very significant investment planned at the New Squares development to better link this area and to make moving within, to and from the town centre more people friendly and attractive to local residents, visitors and cyclists.

There are also major opportunities to promote a new arts centre at the north end of the town centre and to take advantage of the emerging University of Cumbria proposals for Penrith. The Master Plan sets out what we want to achieve and has been endorsed by partners and the Penrith community. This is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of Penrith . I have been very pleased to have seen the high.

For further information on any of the projects please contact:
Penrith Partnership Ltd, 1-2 Bluebell Lane, Penrith, CA11 7LH
Telephone: 01768 867047 or email: penrith.mti@eden.gov.uk