Eden District Council along with many other local, regional and national organisations, are supporting the Lowther Castle and Gardens Project. The Lowther Estate is seeking to find a long term solution to address the decay of the Lowther Castle site. The Lowther site is situated on the A6 and is just 15 minutes away from Penrith.
Cumbria needs significant investment in the development of high value, knowledge-based sectors of the economy including the creative sector. Cumbria and the North West need flagship projects like Lowther Castle and gardens to re-profile it as a forward looking place to live, work and invest.
The Vision
Lowther Castle represents a thousand years of history, but the last 50 years has witnessed the castle falling to ruins. The project will engage local people with leading experts to restore 500 acres of historical parkland, including complete conservation of the castle ruins, restoration of the Gardens,and the building of contemporary cultural, creative and educational facilities including a 1,500 seat amphitheatre.
Community Engagement and Education
The castle and gardens will be supported by a programme of learning to engage people through the site's unique heritage and landscape. The project will involve communities in innovative ways by working with international talent in the process of design and production of its cultural programme. This process has already begun in the creation of events, art installations, publications and performances.
The Benefits
There are expected to be many benefits gained to the local economy from the Lowther Castle and Gardens. Included in these are:
- The project will create up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- There will be a huge impact on the Cumbrian economy with £77.2 million of direct investment and up to £35.7 million of indirect investment.
- The project will increase Cumbria's tourism market share by establishing a destination of contemporary and diverse appeal. It is estimated that it will eventually attract 750,000 visitors per year.
- The learning and educational elements of the scheme will aim to inspire young people in the region to become the next generation of creative talent and business entrepreneurs.
- The project will bring environmental benefits be preserving and nurturing a unique landscape heritage while opening out parkland to public use.
Project Timetable
The project is an ambitious long term one that will be delivered incrementally with initial phases completed by 2009/10.
For Further Information:
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Contact: Economic Development and Tourism Section
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Address: Eden District Council, Town Hall, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7QF
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Telephone: (01768) 212163/ 212169
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Email: econ.dev@eden.gov.uk
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Fax: (01768) 890470
