Kendal College has completed the purchase of its new campus on the upper mall of Westmorland Shopping Centre.

The acquisition completes a three-year negotiation process and allows the college to accommodate the growth in student numbers.

Kelvin Nash, principal at Kendal College, said: "Due to our increased student numbers and the need for additional space, we have looked at various options for a third college campus.

"The college's use of the Westmorland Centre as a third campus would cement the college further into the heart of the town and its community, contributing much to the social and economic development of Kendal and surrounding areas."

Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland & Furness Council, said the provisional Levelling Up Funding will support repurposing part of the shopping centre to create a third campus for the college.

The Westmorland Gazette: The campus will accommodate approximately 400 students pursuing studies in several fields from

He said: "This is tremendous news - for Kendal College, its staff and students and also for the future prosperity and sustainability of Kendal town centre - and shows what is possible when partners work together towards an ambitious and innovative goal.

"The Heart of Kendal scheme will make a real difference to the people of Kendal and all who come to the town, with the projects supporting each other and building and strengthening existing projects underway.

"We look forward to seeing the campus develop and become a valued part of the town centre."

The college, currently at capacity within its Milnthorpe Road and Arts & Media campuses, reported an increase in 16 to 18-year-old enrolments between 2001 and 2024, from 405 to over 1,400.

The Westmorland Gazette: The college reported an increase in 16 to 18-year-old enrolments between 2001 and 2024, from 405

In 2024, the college delivered courses to more than 4,000 students across various courses.

The Westmorland Shopping Centre will undergo refurbishment, transforming the retail spaces into educational facilities, including a TV studio, lecture theatre, science labs and a dedicated business suite.

The move won't influence the lower mall retail, indoor Market Hall, or car parking.

The campus will accommodate approximately 400 students pursuing studies in several fields from September 2024.

Additionally, the space will support the college's community projects, festivals, and events.

Kendal College worked with Praxis Real Estate Management on the project.

Ilan Goldman, senior asset manager for Praxis Real Estate, said: "The commitment from Kendal College and Westmorland & Furness Council to transforming and rejuvenating their town centre is commendable.

"This partnership will become a fantastic case study of how town centres can adapt and thrive."

In addition to the new campus, the college recently opened a construction and engineering centre and will open a refurbished Animal Rescue Centre at its Milnthorpe Road Campus in September 2024.