Affordable housing among options for Penrith’s historic Mansion House
Penrith’s Grade II-listed Mansion House has been sold to a local property developer, with affordable housing among the options being considered for the historic building.
Atkinson Homes Ltd has acquired the property from Westmorland and Furness Council after it was declared surplus to requirements.
The sale marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 14,100 sq ft former council office complex, which was previously used by Eden District Council.
No final redevelopment plans have been agreed. Atkinson Homes will first carry out detailed surveys and assessments before deciding which proposals could be suitable for the site.
Mansion House dates back to 1750
Mansion House was constructed in 1750 and has formed part of the local authority’s property portfolio since 1919.
The Grade II-listed complex includes a central building with east and west wings. It extends across three floors and has a 37-space car park at the front.
Its listed status recognises the building’s special architectural and historic importance. This means any significant alterations are likely to require listed building consent as well as planning permission.
The building had been used as council offices for many years, including by the former Eden District Council.
Following local government reorganisation, council staff and services were moved to Voreda House in Penrith. Voreda House reopened following an £8.3 million refurbishment, leaving Mansion House without an operational council use.
Westmorland and Furness Council subsequently placed the historic property on the market, with bidding closing on May 21, 2026.
Affordable homes could be considered
Atkinson Homes is now exploring several ways to bring Mansion House back into sustainable long-term use while protecting its historic character.
One potential option could involve working with a local provider to create affordable housing within the complex.
However, the developer has stressed that this is only one of the possibilities being examined. Surveys will be needed to assess the building’s condition, layout and development potential before any plans can be finalised.
Richard Thorburn, head of legal and land at Atkinson Homes, said the company would carefully consider options that respect the heritage of Mansion House.
He said: “Our focus will be on carefully exploring viable options that respect the building’s heritage.”
Atkinson Homes has operated as a local developer for more than 40 years. The company said it understood the importance of Mansion House to Penrith and wanted any future development to provide lasting benefits for the town.
Mr Thorburn added: “We understand how important Mansion House is to the town, and we look forward to bringing forward proposals that preserve its character and deliver long-term benefits for Penrith.”
Council welcomes new chapter
Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for finance, welcomed the completion of the sale.
He said: “Mansion House has long been an important part of Penrith’s architectural heritage, so I am pleased to see it entering a new chapter.”
The council said the disposal formed part of its wider work to reduce and reorganise its property estate.
Selling buildings that are no longer required for council services can lower maintenance and running costs. It can also generate money that can be invested in other services and council properties.
The authority said it wanted surplus buildings to be brought back into productive use rather than remaining empty.
Future plans remain at an early stage
Although the sale has been completed, detailed plans for Mansion House are not expected until the initial building surveys have taken place.
Atkinson Homes has not yet confirmed whether the property will become housing, how many homes could be created or when a planning application might be submitted.
The developer will need to consider the building’s listed status and historic features when preparing its plans.
The sale comes as the council also considers the future of other important properties in Penrith.
Separate proposals are being developed for Penrith Town Hall, with options for that building expected to be considered by the council’s cabinet in July 2026.
