Kendal art gallery to reopen next year

Abbot Hall gallery in Kendal is expected to reopen early in 2023.

Arts and heritage charity Lakeland Arts has been given the go ahead to reopen as early as possible in 2023 by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), which owns the building and is managing its redevelopment programme.

The Grade-I listed building closed just before the start of the pandemic in 2020, leading to a “prudent approach to the redevelopment by phasing the works over time,” according to Lakeland Arts.

Phase one of the redevelopment work is now expected to begin shortly, with a focus on essential upgrades to the electrics, flooring and redecorating.

“We are very much looking forward to the works being finalised so we can reopen for visitors next year,” Lakeland Arts Chief Executive Rhian Harris said.

“We are able to confirm the much anticipated commission and exhibition by internationally recognised artist Julie Brook will go ahead alongside the reopening next year.”