13 September 2005

Penrith Partnership focuses on town masterplan

Penrith is set to benefit from two key pieces of planning work, as part of a programme being delivered by Penrith Partnership, the Market Town Initiative for the area.

The programme, which is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), will include the production of a coordinated masterplan focusing on housing, transport and public realm developments for Penrith. This will help to ensure that the planned mixed-use development at Southend Road has a positive impact on the rest of the town.

A marketing strategy for the town and its surrounding area will also help to ensure that promotional activities are focused on the area's strengths, in order to benefit local businesses, residents, and visitors to the area.

This development heralds a new era of joint working for the benefit for the Penrith area. Led by Eden District Council, the Partnership will also benefit from the involvement of a variety of local businesses, organisations and individuals, including the Chamber of Trade, the Civic Society, Eden Arts, Lowther Manelli, Penrith Co-operative Society and Voluntary Action Cumbria.

Steve Heaton, NWDA Head of Rural Affairs, said: "With market towns playing an increasingly essential role within the rural economy, getting local people and businesses actively engaged in their development is essential. This planning work demonstrates the Agency's commitment to helping Penrith address some of the key issues it faces. We will continue to work with the Partnership to ensure that these challenges are met."

David Robinson, Chairman of Penrith Partnership, said: "Local people told us they were concerned that the area didn't have a strong enough image and that promotion is not as co-ordinated as it could be. We are fortunate to have accessed Development Agency funding to ensure effective co-ordination of this work."

Cllr Malcolm Smith, Chairman of Eden District Council's Community and Economy Committee, said: "I welcome the commitment of the NWDA to Penrith and the work of the Penrith Market Town Initiative. Eden District Council is an active partner in its work and we look forward to progressing the masterplan and marketing strategy to benefit the residents and businesses in the area."
 
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For further information on Penrith Partnership please contact Judith Quigley, Project Officer for Penrith Market Town Initiative on 01768 869523 or judithquigley@ruralcumbria.org.uk 

For further information please contact Rachel Handford, Press Officer on 01925 400237 or 07810 528449 or Rachel.Handford@NWDA.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk  

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and has 5 key priorities: Business Development, Regeneration, Skills & Employment, Infrastructure and Image