Old Man's Shelter to be restored for community use
Workington Town CouncilA park building known affectionately as the Old Man's Shelter is to be restored and turned into a new community space.
The site in Vulcan Park in Workington, Cumbria, was built in 1937 after money was donated to create a meeting room where men could gather to read the newspaper.
Work is now under way to turn the building, known officially as Park End Shelter, into a centre for workshops, events and health and wellbeing activities.
The chair of Workington Town Council's environment committee, Michael Heaslip, said the building was currently unused but the redevelopment would "bring it back to life for the community".
"The work started on Monday and we hope it will be completed within eight weeks," he said.
"Once complete, the building will be available free of charge to non-profit and voluntary organisations and will host workshops and events that benefit local people, focusing on health, sustainability, creativity and wellbeing."
Following the renovations, the building will be fully accessible and will have a new kitchen, meeting room, wi-fi facilities and toilets.
Residents have also been asked for their views on how Park End Shelter should be used.
