A 99-YEAR lease has been awarded to ensure the 'long-term security' of a south Cumbria theatre. 

The Coro in Ulverston is also set to be the beneficiary of a £79,000 cash injection for improving the site after the paperwork has been signed.

The future of the much-loved arts venue came under the spotlight at a meeting of South Lakeland District Council's (SLDC's) cabinet on Wednesday.

Cllr Robin Ashcroft, SLDC portfolio holder for economy, culture and leisure, told councillors at South Lakeland House in Kendal: "We recognise that the building is significant and we are very pleased to support it."

Ulverston councillor Dave Webster described the news about the Coro as 'absolutely fantastic'.

Cllr Andrew Jarvis, SLDC deputy leader and finance and portfolio holder, said: "I'm delighted to support this.

"It's not surprising there's been some delays with two years of the pandemic."

He added: "I hope that the members for Ulverston are grateful for this and I am sure there'll be more investment in Ulverston to come."

The lease has been granted to the  Ulverston Coronation Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which was established by cross-sector, not-for-profit organisation Ulverston Community Enterprises (UCE) for the purpose of running the theatre in County Square.

Beth Kennedy, UCE director, said after the meeting: "We’d made significant progress towards financial viability in the three and a half years UCE managed the Coro before the pandemic struck.

"We’re delighted SLDC recognise that progress and that we’ll have the chance to finish that journey.

"We know that local people have been anxious about the future of the Coro throughout the pandemic, but together this lease and grant give us both the short- and long-term security we need.

"Now we can get on with delivering on our objectives - developing and enriching the social and cultural life of Ulverston and the surrounding areas."

SLDC says £60,000 has also been committed to pay for a new lift at the theatre as well as '£150,000 to support the Coro in becoming financially viable after the coronavirus pandemic'.