Penrith Wayfinding and Interpretation Scheme
Penrith Town Council’s Wayfinding and Interpretation Scheme will bring new, clearer and more attractive signage to the town centre, helping residents, visitors and businesses make better connections across Penrith.
The scheme will replace and refresh outdated signage, including signs that are damaged, broken, missing panels or no longer fit for purpose. New fingerposts and totem panels will include updated walking-route maps, directional information and interpretation content that tells more of Penrith’s story.
The project is based on the Penrith Town Centre Wayfinding Strategy, commissioned by Penrith Town Council, which sets out a more coherent and intuitive approach to pedestrian movement across the town. The proposed installation, removal and refurbishment of signs follows this strategic approach.
What is being installed?
The project includes new totem panels, fingerposts, refurbished signage and updated interpretation across key town centre locations. The new signs will help people move between arrival points, shopping streets, car parks, the railway station, bus station, heritage sites, green spaces and public spaces.
- 14 new totem panels across the town centre.
- 17 new fingerposts at agreed locations.
- 7 new gateway signs at locations entering Penrith.
- Refurbishment and replacement works to selected existing panels and signs.
- Removal of redundant or outdated signage where required.
- Updated walking-route maps, directional information and interpretation content.
- Integration with a new digital trail and the Penrith Through Time video.
- 10 years of maintenance included as part of the project scope.
Why is the scheme needed?
Clear wayfinding helps people feel more confident moving around the town. It supports visitors who may not know Penrith well, helps residents find routes and destinations more easily, and encourages people to explore more of the town centre on foot.
For local businesses, improved signage can help draw footfall from arrival points, car parks and public transport locations into the town centre. By making routes clearer and highlighting Penrith’s heritage, culture and public spaces, the scheme supports the visitor economy, town centre vitality and community pride.
Interactive maps
You can view the proposed installation locations using the interactive maps below. These maps show where the new signs, refurbished signs and removals are planned.
Map Key:
- FP – Fingerposts
- T – Totems
- IS, BR & SS – Refurbishments
Installation programme
The proposed works period is from 6 July 2026 to 31 July 2026, with one additional contingency week allowed as a precaution. The programme may be subject to some slippage or overlap by a few days depending on progress on site.
Week commencing | Planned works |
6 July 2026 | Removal of selected outdated, damaged or redundant signage. |
13 July 2026 | Installation of new fingerposts across agreed town centre locations. |
20 July 2026 | Refurbishment works, including removal and installation at selected locations. |
27 July 2026 | Installation of new totem panels and gateway signage. |
The programme begins with removals so that outdated, damaged or redundant signage can be cleared before the new installations take place. In most cases, removed signs will be replaced as part of the wider scheme, although a small number of redundant or superseded signs will not be reinstated where they are no longer required.
Information for businesses
Penrith Town Council recognises that town centre businesses need clear information during the installation period. The works are planned in weekly phases to help manage activity across the town centre, and the Council will use this webpage to share updates if there are any significant changes to the programme.
The scheme is intended to support businesses by making it easier for people to find their way around Penrith, discover shopping streets and public spaces, and move between car parks, transport links, visitor attractions and the town centre.
Businesses are encouraged to check the interactive maps to understand where works are planned and to contact the Council if they have practical questions about the installation programme in their area.
Design and local identity
The new signage has been designed to reflect Penrith’s identity. Distinctive features at the top of the signs will include outlines of Penrith Beacon, the Musgrave Monument and Penrith Castle, helping to create a strong sense of place.
Most signs will include a wayfinding side, with maps and directions to key destinations, and an interpretation side, with historical or place-based information. Where signs are single sided because of their location, they will be used primarily for wayfinding.
Funding and delivery
The scheme is funded by a £196,116 grant from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, with funding from the UK and Scottish Governments to support investment in towns across the Borderlands region.
The signage and wayfinding works were awarded to Trueform following an open competitive tender process. The contract value for the signage works is £124,730.78. Penrith Town Council is working with Northumberland County Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to understand whether the remaining approved contingency can support further eligible enhancements to the scheme.
Penrith Through Time & Digital Trail
Alongside the new physical signage, the scheme will introduce new ways to discover Penrith’s heritage. This includes a new digital trail and a historic Penrith Through Time video, helping people visualise how the town has changed and developed over time.
Watch the video below.
Keeping residents updated
This webpage will be updated during the installation period with information for residents, visitors, businesses and town centre users. Updates will be provided if there are significant changes to the programme or if practical information needs to be shared during the works.
If you have a question about the scheme, please contact Penrith Town Council at office@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk.