Government funded wayfinding improvements completed in Penrith

The installation phase of Penrith Town Council’s Wayfinding and Interpretation Project was completed on Tuesday 29 September 2026, marking a major milestone in the work to make the town easier to navigate and encourage more people to explore its history, heritage and local attractions.

Fully funded by The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal as part of their Place Programme, the scheme has replaced and refreshed outdated signage across the town centre. It includes new fingerposts, visitor information panels, walking-route maps, interpretation content and links to a digital heritage trail.

The project follows the Penrith Town Centre Wayfinding Strategy commissioned by Penrith Town Council. It creates a clearer and more consistent network between arrival points, shops, car parks, public transport, heritage sites and public spaces, while using interpretation to share Penrith’s history and strengthen its sense of place.

Penrith Town Council has committed to the ongoing maintenance, supported by a dedicated budget, so the signs remain in a well maintained condition.

Councillor Scott Jackson, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Planning Committee said:

“This fully government funded investment has allowed the Town Council to replace outdated, faded, damaged and in some cases missing signage for which there was no organisation responsible for ongoing maintenance or updating.

“The new signs are less imposing, more in keeping with Penrith and provide clearer directions and useful information about the town. The Town Council has committed to maintaining and updating them, with a dedicated budget in place for this work.

“I would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the installation works and for bearing with us for any disruption caused. We hope the completed scheme will encourage more people to explore Penrith and support a welcoming, well connected town centre.”

The wayfinding scheme forms part of a wider package of Borderlands Place Programme investment in Penrith, alongside other initiatives supporting the town centre, community facilities and local cultural activity. This includes completed improvements at Penrith Playhouse, which are helping Penrith Players benefit from improved facilities.

Explore Penrith’s history through the Penrith Digital Heritage Trail. Further information about the scheme is available on the Council’s Wayfinding and Interpretation Project webpage.