Society 'disappointed' by decision to auction Old Grammar School

Kendal Civic Society said it was 'very disappointed' and 'saddened' by Lakeland Arts' decision to sell the building, which dates back to the 1500s.

The buildings at No's 9 and 11 Church Walk will go under the hammer at Abbot Hall on October 19.

Chair of Kendal Civic Society Paul Grout said the building was one of 'most important historic buildings in Kendal.'

Mr Grout said: "We feel so strongly about it that we have made an application to have the building listed by Westmorland and Furness Council as an ‘Asset of Community Value’.

"This is intended to initiate a public consultation about the future of this important building and the Abbot Hall museum site generally. The application is currently being decided by the council."

Lakeland Arts announced in March 2023 that a decision had been made to sell the Old Grammar School in Kendal. 

Mr Grout added: "We understand that Lakeland Arts are short of cash. But selling off the assets is rarely a good business strategy and it may be a decision that they, as well as the people of Kendal, will live to regret.

"All we are asking for is time for an open public consultation - surely everyone involved in the democratic planning process will see the benefit of this in these circumstances. We firmly believe that the public would relish such a consultation and, even at this last minute, we hope that cool heads will prevail and the imminent sale will be postponed."

Responding to Kendal Civic Society, a spokesperson for Lakeland Arts said: "For many years, Lakeland Arts has considered and scoped opportunities for the buildings.

"Unfortunately, funding bids to date have been unsuccessful, and the buildings have been used almost exclusively for storage.  

"The board and senior leadership of Lakeland Arts, with support from funders, have concluded the organisation will remain focussed on the redevelopment and sustainability of our Kendal site, including Abbot Hall and Lakeland Museum.

"The buildings have been used for a variety of purposes over the years and Lakeland Arts welcomes the purchase of the buildings by another person or organisation to return the buildings to their former glory.  

"The buildings are separate and distinct from the 18th-century stables block that houses Lakeland Museum, which is temporarily closed for redevelopment. Abbot Hall and the stables block are leased to Lakeland Arts by Westmorland & Furness Council. 

"There is a 1970s link between 11 Church Walk and Lakeland Museum, which Lakeland Arts has received planning permission from Westmorland & Furness Council to remove."

Chief Executive of Lakeland Arts Rhian Harris, said: “No’s 9 and 11 Church Walk have huge potential and we welcome them being given a new lease of life. It has been disappointing to see them unused for so long.

"Lakeland Arts’ priority is to sustain our wonderful programmes within the community, local schools and in our museums and galleries, including Abbot Hall and Lakeland Museum."