THE developers converting the former Beales store in Kendal town centre into a food hall want it to be ready by 2024. 

The multi-million pound project, which it is hoped will deliver a shot-in-the-arm to the economy, is the brainchild of Spinning Jennies.

It will also showcase Cumbrian produce through retail units housing small independent shops and residential flats to let. 

The plans include a two-floor wine bar called “5’O’Clock Somewhere”.

The project aims to provide a destination for residents and visitors to meet, eat and shop. 

Geraldine Ward, of Spinning Jennies, said: "2022 was for forming the vision and laying the stepping stones for Spinning Jennies. 

“We need a good strong push to get the biggest part of the job done here, in forming the residentials to let on the upper and rear sections of the site, while forming the retail and commercial units to revive the vibe of Finkle Street.

“By 2024 we want to have Cumbrian independent businesses selling Cumbrian produce or regionally made goods off Finkle Street frontages and be well ahead in developing the street food hall downstairs to open later in 2024. 

“We are tremendously humbled by the positive support we have from so many quarters across Kendal’s influencers and townsfolk, including the interest shown in Spinning Jennies' vision by Tim Farron MP who we are delighted to have shown around in the beginning and now a year on in the development”.

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South Lakes Tim Farron MP was given a tour of the site and was pleased with the progress shown to him in this current phase of the development. 

Mr Farron said: "I was absolutely delighted to visit Spinning Jennies and meet the fantastic team behind this exciting project.

“The closure of Beales has left a huge hole in the middle of Kendal’s high street. So it’s brilliant to see all this great work being done to transform these empty buildings into something that will bring the town centre back to life, and thriving once again." 

“I’ve been banging the drum for more affordable places in Kendal for people and families to live so I’m also so pleased to see this project contain plans to provide more housing right in the heart of town.”