Eden District Council is inviting the public to give their views on a proposal to make on an offer on the vacant former Co-operative building on Burrowgate in Penrith and to relocate all its services and staff there under one roof.

This building could be known as the ‘Civic Centre.’

The public consultation will help to inform a decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase and a decision will be taken at a meeting of EDC on July 14.

The Council currently owns and operates out of two buildings in Penrith; the Town Hall and Mansion House and these are located some distance apart. This arrangement is inefficient and can cause confusion for visitors.

Under the proposal to purchase the former Co-operative building, Mansion House would be sold and alternative uses sought for the Town Hall.

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Eden District Council‘s Leader, Councillor Kevin Beaty said: “The Council had been working on a plan to create a single site at the Town Hall but this option proved too costly. The vacant Co-operative premises presents an alternative opportunity to achieve a different ‘single site’ project. It is also one in which other organisations could be accommodated in the same building, as it offers additional space beyond the Council’s needs.”

By occupying the former Co-operative building, Eden District Council would prevent it from falling into disrepair and would bring vitality and increased footfall to the centre of the town.

Councillor Beaty added: “We want to hear the public’s views about whether they think relocating all the Council’s services and staff to the former Co-operative building on Burrowgate in Penrith is a good idea. Also, if this proposal went ahead what could be the future use for Penrith Town Hall. “

The public consultation runs from Wednesday 25 May until Wednesday 22 June 2016, for more information about Eden District Council visit www.eden.gov.uk