The first and second floors of the former pencil factory building will be brought into use during this summer’s Keswick Convention which will run from July 16 to August 5.
A meeting of the Keswick Ministries Town Liaison Forum heard that most of the children and youth work, which attracts more than 2,000 young people, will move into the building.
Facilities manager Murray Lawrie provided an update on the phase two work and also mentioned plans to install solar panels on the roof of the factory.
The meeting heard that work is under way at Skiddaw Street to refurbish the existing accommodation and make additional capacity available.
Some of the new accommodation will be used by new members of staff, meaning there will be a manned presence at Skiddaw Street to provide a higher level of service to those staying there.
Mr Lawrie confirmed that he is working with a car park management company and Lake District National Park Authority planners to offer a more flexible permitted option at Skiddaw Street, similar to the commercial permit offered by Allerdale Borough Council.
Four electric vehicle charge points are now in operation at Skiddaw Street operated by Charge My Street.
During the meeting representatives from Keswick Town Council, Keswick Tourism Association and the police, shared updates on their areas of activity, including advice that accommodation providers are enjoying high bookings while eateries are struggling to recruit sufficient staff.
Simon Overend reported that there will not be a temporary road crossing on Main Street because Cumbria Highways has advised that two crossings are already in place in support of the Premier Inn build and there is no need for an additional one.
“We will be following our usual schedule of meetings with the afternoons kept free to allow people to explore and enjoy the area and its facilities,” said Mr Overend. “Steps are being taken to keep the site safe and minimise the impact on neighbours.
“These include the use of e-drums and in-ear-monitors so that band rehearsals are near silent.”
The Town Liaison Forum will meet again in September.
