Cumberland Council has secured planning approval for a new lighting scheme at historic Workington Hall, helping showcase the landmark, enhance visitors' experience and celebrate local heritage after dark.
The approved scheme will introduce carefully designed, low-level lighting to improve safety, accessibility and the visitor experience, while protecting the Hall's historic character and surrounding environment.
The project will introduce new ground-mounted uplighters positioned around the Hall. The lights will gently illuminate the lower sections of the building using a warm, low-intensity glow, allowing the landmark to be appreciated after dark without overpowering its setting.
Protecting wildlife has been a central consideration throughout the design. The lighting will only operate during the darker, colder months and will switch off by 10.30pm each evening, helping to minimise any impact on bats and other species. The approved scheme also includes measures to safeguard wildlife and minimise disturbance to sensitive habitats.
The design has been developed to reduce light spill, with lighting focused solely on the Hall itself and carefully controlled to avoid surrounding parkland and sensitive habitats.
Minimal groundworks will be required to install the equipment, with all works carefully managed due to the Hall's historic significance. Archaeological monitoring will also take place during construction to ensure any features of historic interest are appropriately recorded and protected.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
"We are delighted that planning permission has now been granted for this important project. Workington Hall is one of the town's most significant historic landmarks and this carefully designed lighting scheme will help more people appreciate its heritage while enhancing the visitor experience.
"This is another positive step forward for Workington, building on the wider regeneration work already taking place. By investing in projects like this, we are helping to celebrate our local heritage, improve public spaces and create places that people can be proud of."
The scheme received planning approval on 19 October 2026 and will be delivered in accordance with measures designed to protect wildlife, minimise light spill and respect the Hall's historic setting.
