Mansion House, one of Penrith’s most prominent buildings is being offered for sale or lease. This is the first time in over 90 years, the landmark Grade II listed offices currently occupied by Eden District Council is being offered for sale or lease with vacant possession.
Commercial property consultants Walton and Goodland are marketing the sale of the property and offers are being invited in excess of £1.1 million for the freehold interest in the entire property, with the benefit of vacant possession or alternatively for offers to be made by interested parties to lease the building and adjoining land from the Council.
Eden District Council’s Leader, Gordon Nicolson said: “The proceeds from the lease or sale of Mansion House will help to finance the Council one site project which is currently being developed. The one public service site project and new car parking provision is an exciting opportunity for Penrith town centre. The availability for lease or sale of a property of this character and distinction will attract a lot of interest. However, it will be for full Council in July to determine how any offers received for Mansion House proceed in the future.”
Mansion House is one of Penrith’s finest and most recognisable buildings, it was originally constructed in 1750 by John Whelpdale. It was purchased by Penrith Rural District Council in 1919 the property was later inherited by Eden District Council following local government reorganisation. Over the past 40 years the Council has sympathetically restored the buildings which remain well maintained to a high standard in accordance with its existing use.
The historic buildings which comprise Mansion House sit in an attractive setting, extending to 0.95 acres, in Penrith town centre adjacent to St Andrews Churchyard and within 150m of Market Square and Devonshire Street. The accommodation is arranged over ground, first and second floor levels with basement storage and comprises a total gross internal footprint of 14,080 sq ft (1,308 sq m).
The property includes existing car parking for 88 vehicles split between the front and rear of the site. The car park is used for staff parking during the week and currently operates as a pay-and-display car park on weekends.
Walton Goodland, the commercial property consultants retained by Eden District Council, is seeking offers in excess of £1.1m for the freehold interest. The Council is prepared to consider splitting the site and will also consider rental offers for part or the whole. Lease terms are not being quoted and all enquiries should be directed to Walton Goodland.
Stephen Sewell, Director at Walton Goodland said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire a prestigious property or an interest in one in the heart of Penrith. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the property specifically in terms of its use. The local planning authority at Eden District Council has put together a planning brief to include potential uses such as residential, hotel and retail. In the meantime, the opportunity exists to derive income from the car parking. We anticipate a good level of interest and welcome discussions with interested parties.”
These are exciting times for Penrith in view of the New Squares development of mixed-use retail and residential being undertaken and anchored by Sainsbury’s, the recent opening of the new Booths supermarket and refurbishment of Morrisons. With a new commercial led development also proposed for Ullswater Road, Penrith is very much at the forefront of market activity. The sale of the former Greggs bakery headquarter offices adjacent to Mansion House has also recently completed to McCarthy and Stone.
Information and copies of the property brochure for Mansion House can be obtained from www.waltongoodland.com This includes plans of the property and floor areas. Alternatively Walton Goodland can be contacted at 10 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DA; Tel: 01228 514199 or email: info@waltongoodland.com. All enquiries should be directed to Stephen Sewell and Deborah Goodland.
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Notes to Editors
For more information contact the Communication Officer at Eden District Council tel: 01768 212137.
