National Lottery awards £4.6m for Stricklandgate House renewal

Home to 18 local charities, the grade two-listed building in Kendal will receive a series of repairs and a link building to make it fit for the future.

Stricklandgate House is a prime example of Georgian architecture, with many of its original features intact. It has been a hub for the charitable sector since 1993 and while 18 groups call it home, its facilities are utilised by more than 50 non-profit entities. Together, they support more than 13,000 people a year.

Working alongside Emil Eve Architects, The Stricklandgate House Trust, which manages the building, has spent the past three years developing plans to create a community hub and lounge, modernise its offices, upgrade its community spaces, remove asbestos roofs, improve accessibilities, and bolster biodiversity in its public realm.

Armed with the £4.6m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and planning permission from Westmorland and Furness Council, Stricklandgate House Trust hopes to start construction in July of next year, with work due to complete the following year.

John Leigh and Margaret Belk, the joint chairs of the Stricklandgate House’s board of trustees, welcomed the NLHF cash.

“To say we are absolutely delighted to receive this funding is an understatement,” they said in a statement.

“We can now progress plans, three years in the making to sustain the heritage of Stricklandgate House so that it can continue supporting our local charities and communities for years to come.

“Plans for a community space and Community Lounge in the heart of Kendal will now become a reality and provide friendly, welcome and inclusive space for everyone from the individual to local community groups looking for a relaxed space to run activities.”

NLHF director for the North of England, Helen Featherstone, said: “At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are thrilled to be able to play a role in supporting Stricklandgate House Trust to build on its important heritage and to continue to provide invaluable support for the communities of Kendal.”

NLHF’s contribution makes up most of the project £5.6m cost. The remaining has been raised thanks to the efforts of Westmorland and Furness Council, Kendal Town Council, The Frieda Scott Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Kendal Rotary Club, The Hadfield Trust, the descendants of the Maude family – the original owners of Stricklandgate House – and Kendal residents.

To learn more about the project search reference 2025/2419/FPA on Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning portal.