A planning application to extend and make alterations to a kiosk cafe in Keswick’s Upper Fitz Park has been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority.
Keswick Town Council and the Fitz Park trustees have lodged the application for the renovation of the kiosk, operated by Cafe HNW, which was built in 1937 and the proposed changes will “respect the historic character of the building”.
Planning documents submitted to the LDNPA say that the intention of the renovation is to relocate the existing parks staff accommodation, which currently occupies half of the building, into a separate purpose made equipment store and staff building.
This will enable an extension of the cafe to occupy the whole of the kiosk. It is proposed to add two small side extensions to the kiosk to accommodate an accessible toilet, staff toilet and larger kitchen with park games storage space. Additional windows will improve light into the building and create an inviting frontage. At the same time the opportunity will be taken to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the kiosk, while maintaining the distinctive features of its appearance. The site lies within the newly-extended conservation area.
Park equipment is currently stored in shipping containers, to the west of the site, which will be replaced by the development store and staff building.
The overall aim of the work proposed is to provide much-needed new staff accommodation and parks equipment storage to enable the existing outdated metal storage containers to be removed and to enhance what is a prominent historic building in the park, with energy conservation and flood resilience in mind and to improve cafe, toilet and park games provision.
The planning documents say: “The aim is to build on the success of the new management of this facility to generate additional income potential, to assist in the overall cost of maintaining the park. The proposals will also enable the cafe to incorporate some of its external seating into the building, improving its visitor numbers in the colder months.
“The rental of park games equipment is a key part of visitors’ enjoyment of the park and has been so since the Victorian era. By investing in this building, and expanding its seasonal use, this will in turn support the community’s enjoyment of the park.”
