SOUTH Lakeland district council (SLDC) is to apply for £10m in government funding to help revitalise Kendal. 

The money would be used to 'support the evolution' of the town and 'reinforce its role as a place to live, work and explore'.

The council's cabinet today agreed to the submission of a bid for a chunk of the levelling-up pot. 

A report produced ahead of the meeting said particular locations across the UK had been prioritised for funding.

"South Lakeland has been identified as 'category 3', lowest priority of need, creating an expectation that applications would need to be 'exceptional' if they are to be successful," said the document authored by Matthew Williams, senior economy and culture specialist at the council.

Cllr Robin Ashcroft, SLDC economy, culture and leisure portfolio holder, today stressed the importance of trying to 'seize the opportunity'. 

"This is round two [of the funding] and there's absolutely no guarantee that there'll be a round three," he said.

"We are going to be competing with towns in other areas which have considerable challenges.

"Nevertheless, I think this is a strong bid."

The bid for funding centres around two key projects:

Project A - town centre regeneration

  • Creating a third campus for Kendal College at the Westmorland Shopping Centre
  • Regeneration of Kendal's market hall
  • Regeneration of Market Place

Project B - riverside corridor

  • Enhancement of the riverside 'active travel route' from Abbot Hall, along Waterside and up Kent Street 

These projects were identified during the Kendal Vision process. 

The Vision is a blueprint for the town that it is hoped can be used to attract investment. It has been developed by partnership body Kendal Futures.

READ MORE: Update to be given on ambitious plan for transformation of town

Mr Williams's report said the projects outlined would 'strengthen the regional role of Kendal' and 'support the council’s ambition around the delivery of active and sustainable transport and the creation of attractive places and vibrant communities'.

He said the projects recognised 'Kendal’s important role in the district as a service centre and as a location for promoting growth'.