New artist impressions of how a popular Cumbrian arts centre could look once proposed development works are complete have been released by Florence Arts Centre.

Visuals developed by Ulverston architectural and engineering practice Building Design Northern (BDN) bring to life the art of the possible, showcasing an exciting new look for the building if a planning application is approved for a £3m transformation project. 

The works are part of a larger regeneration project for Egremont including the Former Red Lion Site in the middle of the town.  Proposals include an additional events space within in the existing building, boosting local community facilities and encouraging more social and recreational activities for local residents and visitors to the area. 

Other additions to the centre include a new heritage display and cafe area to fully embrace and promote the site’s rich heritage and mining history. The adjoining Grade II listed, Florence Mine, will also be conserved using bespoke architectural design features and authentic materials to complement its industrial past.

The new designs pay homage to the past, with the mine – which once produced haematite iron ore – commemorated with the inclusion oxide red cladding to both internal and external wall spaces. Substantial improvements to the existing building and surrounding landscape are also proposed, including new multi-functional areas offering increased and improved performance and studio spaces, Florence Paintmaker workshops as well as a large bright cafe with outdoor seating and views of the existing mine.

The proposed scheme will offer free-flowing spaces for visitors and businesses alike that will also incorporate a series of moveable partition walls for greater event access and user flexibility.

Joe Warner, Director at Building Design Northern (BDN), said: “As well as creating new dynamic spaces for the future, maintaining and promoting the existing buildings as well as the unique culture and history of the site was very much at the forefront of our proposed designs. This is a truly unique development for the local community as well as visitors to Cumbria, so our expertise in designing modern schemes that preserve and embrace their past too was very much called upon. 

“We have also incorporated multiple technical features that also align with Florence Arts Centre’s accessibility and sustainability commitments, delivering a scheme that is fit for purpose, can support growth by attracting new people to the area, has positive social impact and enables the centre to provide an expanded social and recreational offer too.”

Proposed development plans for Florence Arts Centre have now been submitted for planning approval with work on site potentially starting early in 2027. The scheme could also create new local jobs with an anticipated 7,000 more people using the centre each year.

Sue MacKay, Director of Florence Arts Centre said: “We are really excited about the plans and more importantly, as a community asset for Egremont, so are our partners, supporters and local residents with whom we have consulted throughout the design process.

“The architects – BDN, have been super patient and responsive to our evolving design ideas, coming up with new solutions to find the best fit for our multiple communities’ complex needs.”

Building Design Northern (BDN) is a full-service practice offering highly expert and specialist architectural design, planning, structural engineering and project management services from concept through to completion. It has offices in both the North East and North West of England.