New visitor information signs to complete Penrith wayfinding project
Penrith Town Council’s Wayfinding and Interpretation Project is moving into its second and final installation phase, with new visitor information signs due to be installed during the week commencing 14 September 2026.
Delivered through the Borderlands Place Programme, the fully government funded scheme will replace and refresh outdated signage across the town centre, helping people move between key locations while also telling more of Penrith’s story through updated visitor information panels, walking-route maps, interpretation content and a new digital trail.
The project follows the Penrith Town Centre Wayfinding Strategy, commissioned by Penrith Town Council, which sets out a clearer approach to pedestrian movement and interpretation across the town. As well as improving routes between arrival points, shops, car parks, public transport, heritage sites and public spaces, the strategy recognises the role of interpretation in helping residents and visitors understand Penrith’s history, culture and sense of place.
New fingerposts have now been installed across the town centre, following the removal of old and outdated signage. The next phase will update visitor information panels across Penrith. Some will replace panels that had become faded, damaged or broken, while others will introduce brand new interpretation content telling more of Penrith’s history, people and places. Digital elements, including a new trail and the Penrith Through Time video, will add another way for people to explore the town and its heritage.
Penrith Town Council will take responsibility for maintaining the signage, supported by a dedicated maintenance budget to help keep the town’s wayfinding and interpretation clear, accurate and well maintained in future.
Councillor Scott Jackson, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Planning Committee said:
“Penrith has a rich and fascinating story to tell, and this scheme helps more people discover it. For too long, some of the signs that shared that story had become faded, damaged or broken, while in other places there was an opportunity to add new information about the town’s history, people and places.“The new visitor information panels will make that history clearer and easier to explore, alongside improved fingerposts that help people move around the town. The digital trail then adds another layer, giving residents and visitors a different way to connect with Penrith’s heritage and discover more while they are here.
“Importantly, Penrith Town Council is also taking ownership of the signs, where previously there was no clear arrangement for their upkeep. That means we can look after them properly in the years ahead and make sure Penrith’s visitor information remains clear, useful and something the town can be proud of.”
The wayfinding scheme forms part of a wider package of Borderlands Place Programme investment in Penrith. Other local projects supported through the programme include improvements at Penrith Playhouse, which have already been completed and are helping the Players benefit from improved facilities, alongside further projects designed to support the town centre, community spaces and local cultural activity.
In most cases, signs removed as part of the works are being replaced through the new scheme, although a small number of redundant or superseded signs will not be reinstated where they are no longer required.Further information is available on the Council’s project webpage.