A multi-million pound bill could prove a stumbling block to plans to create a Civic Centre in Penrith.

It comes as only dozens of people responded to a consultation into a proposal by Eden council to make an offer on the vacant former Co-operative building on Burrowgate.

Although the full picture is yet unclear, it would appear from the consultation, which ended on Wednesday, that residents have a “fondness” for the historic town hall.

The council currently owns and operates out of two buildings in Penrith – the town hall and Mansion House, which are some distance apart.

Under the proposals, Mansion House would be sold off and council leader Kevin Beaty said the town hall could be home to the museum and Eden Arts, which is looking for a more permanent building.

“We have not received a huge response to the consultation,” admitted Mr Beaty. “It is more like tens of people, rather than hundreds. But we are keen to get some idea of what people thought of the plans.

“People are quite attached to having a town hall in the town centre. Residents feel the town should have a town hall.”

The cost implications for the conversion of the former Co-op store, said Mr Beaty, might work out too expensive though.

“It could run into millions,” he said. “We could borrow the money, but we don’t want to do that.”

The council claims operating out of two buildings is “inefficient”, and causes confusion for visitors.

“Conversion of the former co-op would enable us to accommodate all the council staff in one building,” said Mr Beaty.

“It would enable us to re-let it for other organisations, like the police station, and it would give a boost to the north end of town. We are working as a council to be a bit more commercially-minded.

“The former Co-op has been closed for nearly 12 months, and we do not want that area of town to go backwards. Retail is not a growing area. We really want to boost activity in the town centre, and the town hall could prove to be a great tourist attraction,” he added.

“The move would stop a landmark building in Penrith falling into disrepair and would bring more people into the centre of the town. But the conversion has to be affordable, and if it isn’t we won’t go ahead.”

A members’ briefing on Monday will discuss the results of the public consultation.

Mr Beaty added: “We also hope to receive copies of the feasibility study for this proposal next week.”

The study, along with public views, will form part of a report to go before members for determination on July 14.

“We are working to a tight timetable. This has been rumbling on for five years now. It has become a political football.

“We could manage as we are, but we are too cramped for space,” said Mr Beaty.

A plan to create a single site at the town hall has been shelved because of cost implications.

“We did have a tender of £1.8 million, and my view was if we were going to spend that kind of money, we should look at the former Co-op store conversion,” said Mr Beaty.

“The vacant Co-operative premises presents an alternative opportunity to achieve a different ‘single site’ project.

“It is also one in which other organisations could be accommodated in the same building, as it offers space beyond the council’s needs.”