A bid has been made to secure the future of Penrith’s Coronation Garden as an “asset of community value”.
Coronation Garden, at Portland Place, was created as a community garden in 1938, to celebrate the coronation of King George V1 and Penrith town councillors have nominated it for protection under the 2011 Localism Act.
As a place of “real community significance”, it provides an area for social wellbeing and informal recreation, providing a place for people to rest, relax, socialise and explore the historical significance of the area, says the town council in its application to Eden District Council.
On Tuesday, the district authority’s executive committee accepted the nomination.
It’s hoped the extra protection will enable it to be secured for future generations.
Scott Jackson, deputy mayor of Penrith, said: “I’m delighted the town council can help support this initiative to give Coronation Garden the extra level of protection afforded by ‘asset of community value’ status.
“In a time when the future make-up of local government remains uncertain it gives the community the opportunity to preserve the garden.
Although no sale to private interests is ever likely it is materially and morally correct for the people of Penrith to have the right to step in should the unexpected happen.
“I anticipate other town assets, such as the town hall and museum building, being put forward for such consideration as well.”
In 2012, the garden was redesigned and renewed by Penrith Rotary Club and Eden Council, working in partnership to celebrate the centenary of Rotary International, largely funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
“Coronation garden benefits the whole community and helps to explain part of Penrith’s historical and cultural past, “ said a Penrith Town Council spokesman.
