The project, managed by Penrith Rotary Club with support from Eden District Council, will enable work to begin on the small plot of land adjacent to the Town Hall, which was created in 1938 to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI. In recent years, however, it had fallen into disrepair and was rarely visited by the public.

Now, all that is about to change as the grant is used to renew paths and planted areas and restore surviving original features including the entrance gates. Railings that were removed in 1939 in support of the war effort will be replaced with replicas and new features will include raised flower beds, a sensory garden and a rail to aid sight-impaired people. Lighting will also be installed.

The garden incorporates a number of original features that relate directly to the heritage of the town. Its layout was designed to incorporate the shape of St Andrew’s Cross, on which the town’s coat of arms is based in recognition of Penrith’s close links with Scotland.

A significant new feature will be to make the main circular path within the garden a 'timeline' incorporating many aspects of the history of Penrith from pre-historic  to modern times, and illustrated by some sixteen information panels, four artwork sculptures and eight flagpole banners. Local families and especially schoolchildren will also be able to learn more about the town’s past and that of the garden thanks to new activity packs that will be available through the tourist information office and Penrith Museum websites.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the full restoration of this precious green-space right in the heart of the town. It can be enjoyed by local people and visitors once more as well as offering insights into the town’s history.”

Mr Jeff Fawcett, the project co-ordinator on behalf of Penrith Rotary Club, said: “We are thrilled the Heritage Lottery Fund has approved our project and believe the rejuvenated garden will be a considerable asset to the town and encourage and assist people’s understanding of their local history.”

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border, said: "This will be a marvellous boost for Penrith, which boasts so many hidden architectural gems. The garden is a lovely spot, tucked away behind the Town Hall, and will I am sure be restored beautifully now that the Heritage Lottery Fund grant has been approved. The Rotary Club and Eden District Council have worked enormously hard to get a great restoration plan together. I am very much looking forward to this restoration, another important milestone in Penrith's regeneration as a significant Cumbrian market town."

Notes to editors

The project to restore the gardens has now been awarded a second-round pass of £169,600. This follows the award of a first-round pass of £20,900 in November 2010 which enabled to applicant, Penrith Rotary Club, to draw up a detailed proposal for the Garden’s restoration. It is that detailed proposal that has now been approved.

Further information

Roland Smith, Communications Manager at Heritage Lottery Fund, on 020 7591 6047 | 07713 486 420 | rolands@hlf.org.uk.

Jeff Fawcett, Penrith Rotary Club, on 01768 864 608.