The Old Man’s Shelter or Park End Shelter in Workington’s Vulcan Park is being renovated and brought back into community use.

Workington Town Council is excited to announce the renovation of the historic building formerly known as the ‘Old Man’s Shelter’, now being transformed into the Park End Shelter, a welcoming space for the whole community.

The work started on Monday, January 26, and is expected to be completed within 8 weeks.

Councillor Heaslip, Chair of Workington Town Council’s Environment Committee, said: “We are delighted to be able to restore a currently unused, but historically significant building and bring it back to life for the community.

“The building has been in Vulcan Park since 1937 when Helena Thompson donated money for an ‘Old Man’s Shelter’ to be built – named the ‘Park End Shelter’.

“It was intended as a reading and meeting room where men could gather to read the newspaper.

“We can’t find any record of it being used for any other purpose

“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.

“This shows the Council’s commitment to giving back to the community.”

The much-loved local landmark is being restored to provide a vibrant hub for residents of all ages.

The Park End Shelter will become a centre for workshops, events, and activities that promote health and wellbeing, creativity, skills development, and climate action.

Use of the building will be available free-of-charge to non-profit and voluntary organisations.

As part of the renovation, the building is being fitted out to cater to a wide variety of groups and uses, and will include a kitchen and meeting room with toilet facilities along with tables, chairs and WiFi and a fully accessible building.

The Council is keen to ensure the space reflects what matters most to local people so local residents are invited to share their views and ideas on how the Park End Shelter should be used by completing a short questionnaire that can be found here.