Nansledan Market Hall
The Duchy of Cornwall is developing Nansledan, a sustainable urban extension to Newquay.
December 18, 2025
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The Westmorland and Furness Council embarked on a multi-million-pound project to transform the historic Market Hall into an upgraded community and commercial space fit for the 21st century.
Client: Westmorland and Furness Council
Project: Comprehensive regeneration and revitalisation of Kendal Indoor Market Hall, Undercroft, and Market Square as a key component of the wider “Heart of Kendal Project.”
Consultant: Market Curators
This regeneration is part of the broader “Heart of Kendal Project,” which aims to revitalise the town centre, improve the riverside corridor, and repurpose key assets like the Westmorland Shopping Centre for educational use.
The challenge for the Council was to strategically guide the next, critical phase of design, operational planning, and community integration to ensure the Market Hall’s successful transformation and reopening, now targeted for autumn 2027.
Market Curators was appointed by Westmorland and Furness Council to provide specialist guidance and support for the next stages of the Kendal Market Hall regeneration. Their role encompasses a wide range of services designed to ensure a vibrant, attractive, and sustainable future for the market:
Developing initial scoping, conceptual sketches, ground floor layout options, 3D visualisations, and a schedule of accommodation for Kendal Indoor Market and Undercroft, considering the integration of space from within the atrium.
Reviewing the proposed Market Square site and producing an architect's brief for the outdoor market, detailing space requirements (including flexibility for events), unit numbers, M&E, finishes, and operational impacts.
Creating a high-level space plan for the outdoor market and Market Square, accompanied by visuals and a report detailing optimal space utilisation.
Advancing the design for Kendal Indoor Market and Undercroft to include detailed spatial arrangements, construction types, materials, appearance, structural coordination, outline specifications, and various technical drawings (GA plans, sections, demolition plans, stall details, WC details, fire safety plans). This also includes preparing a Pre-Construction Information Pack and Designers Risk Assessments.
Producing a financial model report specifically for the aspirational outdoor market in Market Square and integrating it into the broader financial business case for Kendal Indoor Market
Collaborating with a cost consultant to establish projected capital requirements for both the Indoor and Outdoor Markets, sense-checking budgets, identifying financial anomalies, and proposing value engineering options.
Investigating and reporting on 12 different market ownership and operating models, each with a SWOT analysis and financial forecast, to inform strategic decisions.
Developing an overall staffing model and structure for the markets within Westmorland & Furness Council, detailing responsibilities for Kendal and Ulverston markets.
Facilitating ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, including Kendal College, Praxis, town centre businesses, the Business Improvement District (BID), and local council representatives, to gather feedback and incorporate input into designs, particularly regarding the atrium and Market Square.
Creating a visually engaging and informative presentation covering the project's overview, design concepts, community benefits, timeline, and opportunities for involvement, and conducting multiple presentations to key project teams and stakeholders.
Compiling all phases of work into a comprehensive proposal document for the Kendal indoor, outdoor market, and Market Square, encompassing tenant mix, site aspirations, look and feel, and wider context for internal program board and town team meetings.
Market Curators’ specialist involvement is pivotal in guiding the Kendal Market project towards its ambitious goals:
Ensuring a cohesive design and operational strategy for both the historic indoor market and the vibrant outdoor Market Square. Community-Centric Design: Engaging extensively with stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the revitalised market reflects local needs and aspirations, fostering a strong sense of ownership.
Engaging extensively with stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the revitalised market reflects local needs and aspirations, fostering a strong sense of ownership.
Developing robust financial and operational models that underpin the market's long-term sustainability and potential for growth, attracting an exciting mix of tenants.
Providing the Council with detailed architectural designs, budgetary insights, and operational options to make well-informed decisions throughout the regeneration process.
Guiding the deployment of significant government funding (including £13.5m from the Levelling Up Fund for the Heart of Kendal Project) to create a truly transformative space.
Check out other projects that Market Curators have helped with.
The Duchy of Cornwall is developing Nansledan, a sustainable urban extension to Newquay.
A project between Cheshire East Borough Council and Market Asset Management Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.
A project between Darlington Borough Council and Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.
Local authorities, developers, landlords and community partners all have a role to play, and we’d love to hear about your project. Get in touch on 0203 857 3847 or email hello@marketcurators.uk for a conversation about how we can help shape your market or food hall.