A radical new approach which could see new housing developments within town centre able to provide homes for over 2,000 people has been proposed by the town’s regeneration partnership.
Kendal Futures, a community investment company which supports projects which benefit Kendal and its community, commissioned a study which proposes the creation of over 900 homes in the centre of the town alongside commercial and leisure spaces.
Kendal Vision Opportunity Sites has been drawn up following research which showed a need for desirable, affordable housing within Kendal to support a balanced and diverse population of all ages.
Funded by Westmorland and Furness Council and Kendal Town Council, the report focuses on the development of four brownfield sites at Canal Head, Busher Walk, Blackhall Road and Railway Gateway, to provide a mix of residential and many existing light business uses.
A fifth site, Kendal Fell Quarry, is also included to show its potential for relocating some existing commercial uses which would be better suited to an out of town centre location.
Our sister site, Cumbria Crack, has taken a deeper look into the four brownfield sites here.
“Building homes in the town centre can bring huge financial and community value to Kendal,” Mark Cropper, chair of Kendal Futures, said.
“Carefully redeveloping brownfield sites can ensure they significantly contribute towards Westmorland and Furness Council’s annual new homes target while securing the future vitality of Kendal’s town centre and its businesses.”
The Kendal Futures team acknowledges that there are areas including parking, transport and flood risk management which will need further detailed consideration. They believe, whether on these sites or others not yet considered, that there is a significant opportunity to attract much needed investment back to our town centre.
Mr Cropper added: “There are significant benefits to developing brownfield sites but further refinement of the proposals will be needed.
“The value of urban regeneration is very well recognised but generally requires public sector support to make it a reality.
“Kendal Futures and its partners will explore this alongside seeking interest from potential developers.
“This could include canvassing for investment funds under the auspices of the proposed mayoral authority which is in part designed to enable such projects.
“Delivering over 900 more homes in the town centre within the next Local Plan period could ensure Kendal remains a vibrant and thriving town and help protect areas of our surrounding green landscape from further development sprawl.”
