Keswick’s pencil factory is on schedule to host next year’s Christian convention as its £7 million restoration after more than a decade of neglect continues despite the coronavirus pandemic.
New windows have been installed in the main Art Deco building which has been stripped out and had new concrete floors laid. The distinctive front of the building is also now insulated and rendered, while outside there are new accesses, footpaths and landscaping.
The derelict site, which has been empty since 2007, is being transformed into the permanent new home of the annual Keswick Convention. Facilities will include an all-year-round conference centre and overnight accommodation.
David Sawday is chief operating officer for the Keswick Ministries charity, which runs the three-week convention.
He said: “Despite the period of lockdown and other COVID restrictions, there has been some really great progress on the refurbishment of the pencil factory building this year.
“We’re enormously grateful to local companies like Keswick Scaffolding, Mike Fell Builders, Graham Wilson’s and The Environment Practice, as well as Carlisle-based PMS Fabrication and the Flat Roofing Company who have made this possible.
“There’s still some way to go and the next phase is the refurbishment of the ground floor to install a reception area, toilets and meeting rooms.
“This work has been tendered for and will commence by the end of October — so that the work is completed in time for next year’s convention.”
Around 12,000 people from all over the UK and around the world attend the convention every year.
It has been held in Keswick for nearly 150 years and will be relocating from its main base at Skiddaw Street.
The pencil museum on the site being developed will remain open.
