AN historic building in the heart of Ulverston will be re-christened as part of a six-figure redevelopment scheme.

The former HSBC bank in New Market Street is to be renamed Hoad House.

After the bank closed down and the site was purchased by the Cumbria Teaching Agency, its directors felt a new name was appropriate.

After a public competition was held, five finalists were shortlisted and a winner was chosen.

Jackie Date, of Millom, said when submitting her choice: "Hoad is one of Ulverston's favourite places and I hope this can be too."

Tony Martinez, director at the CTA, said: "We chose the name as a nod to the proud history and heritage of this great town. We hope this building with its new name will be around for a long time and enjoyed by future generations of Ulverston."

At a meeting of Ulverston Town Council the plan to covert the building into a restaurant was given the council's approval.

Councillors said it was a good thing for a building to be quickly put back into public use.

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