Plans have been revealed for the transformation of a department store in Kendal, at the corner of Finkle Street in the heart of Kendal, building on the historic warp and weft of the former department store Beales.

The new owners have started work to convert the building, Geraldine Ward and her partner William Smith have launched the store’s new name Spinning Jennies and hope to breathe new life into the structure by creating a ‘shopping destination’ for residents and visitors.

Spinning Jennies will become a one-stop lifestyle destination to eat, meet and shop.

Spinning Jennies plans to weave together a destination of smaller trading spaces; a celebration of Cumbria, an homage to regional abundance of quality produce and a reflection of great British days out. Memorable moments and everyday experiences of shopping and eating local await! Mixing high-quality eateries and food producers with artisans, boutique retailers, creatives and stylish living spaces, the aim is for this to become a place where the modern interconnected world meets the know-how of the old.

Spinning Jennies will also incorporate spaces for creative small businesses to get great ideas off the ground. A first floor hub for creative minds to work hard, with like minded people all around, getting visitors interested in what they’re doing.

Spinning Jennies’ boutique shopping floor, straight off Finkle Street, provides dedicated retail space for independent shops in a destination commercial location.

Adjoining the public space will be several stylish and imaginative residences.