AN MP has said he would like to see a former department store building in Kendal - due for auction next month - used to host activities for young people.

Tim Farron’s comments come ahead of the Finkle Street building, which previously housed the department store chain Beales, going under the hammer on November 2.

Buildings 37-55 will go for auction with a guide price of £550,000.

Mr Farron said space for youth clubs to host activities for young people was even more important after the impact the pandemic has had on the demographic.

“Beales has been such a big part of Kendal’s high street for a long time so to see it stood empty for the past 18 months or so has been really sad,” he said.

“The pandemic has been enormously tough on young people, with many unable to see their friends during lockdowns, so I would love to see such a big building be used as a space for youth clubs to meet and to host activities for young people.”

Beales closed the Kendal store in March last year after the chain went into administration.

Administrators KPMG admitted defeat in its bid to find a buyer for the 139-year-old chain’s remaining 11 stores.

Comprising 3,737.34 sq m (40,228 sq ft) over four floors the building is located in a prominent part of the town and the departure of Beales has left a hole in the high street.

According to Allsop Property Management the former department store 'may be suitable for a variety of alternative uses or redevelopment, subject to obtaining all the necessary consents'.

For information on planning and re-development potential contact South Lakeland District Council.