IMPROVEMENTS to Kendal's historic Market Place are nearing completion with the finishing touches set to be put in place next month.

Ulverston-based sculptor Chris Brammall has designed a centrepiece for the area in the form of a bespoke seat.

“As a popular meeting place and focal point for Kendal it was important that my design embraced the townscape and history and a big part of my inspiration is taken from the local rivers," he said.

“We will be using both traditional hand-forging methods and modern fabrication techniques to create the unique shape and forms within the steel which depicts flowing water and movement.”

The aim of the enhancement project was to create a high quality, versatile space suitable for hosting a wide range of community-focused events and markets.

Some of the improvements, while less obvious to the public, have made the space more useable by market traders and festival organisers.

The electricity and water supply to Market Place has been upgraded and improvements to the drainage has reduced water pooling in wet weather.

Seating has also been placed around the central lighting columns which were installed by Cumbria County Council earlier in 2017.

The initiative to improve and invest in Kendal’s Market Place is led by a project board which includes Kendal Town Council, Kendal Futures, Kendal Civic Society, South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), Cumbria County Council, Kendal Business Improvement District (BID) and the Chamber of Commerce.

Following the outcome of a public consultation earlier this year, the project no longer includes a new central square paved area which many people thought was unimportant and divided public opinion.

The project board says the revised scheme is still in keeping with the original vision of decluttering Market Place to make it more welcoming, versatile and safe for residents and visitors.

“There has already been a huge improvement," said Martyn Nicholson, chair of Kendal Futures. "Work to improve the functionality of Market Place has really opened up the area, revealing a useable space which will become an exciting and vibrant attraction contributing to the prosperity of the town centre.”