Work begins on Windermere Gateway plan to transform arrival to Lake District
Plans aim to create vibrant transport hub and improved station facilities
Westmorland and Furness Council has appointed consultants Mott MacDonald to develop a concept masterplan for the Windermere station area.
This initiative is part of the broader Windermere Gateway project, aimed at enhancing the welcome to the Lake District by improving the station, its surroundings, and facilities.
The project will build on the Windermere Gateway Transport Infrastructure SPD adopted by the Lake District National Park Authority in 2021, serving as a key focus for securing investment for proposed upgrades.
The Windermere Gateway project is jointly led by Westmorland and Furness Council, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, and developer Urban Splash.
It seeks to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach to transport, travel, and movement infrastructure within the area.
The long-term vision includes unlocking opportunities for new homes, jobs, and sustainable transport connections.
Plans for the station and surrounding area involve transforming it into a vibrant transport hub with improved connections for walking, cycling, taxis, and buses, along with public realm and wayfinding upgrades.
The design work is funded by approximately £150,000 from the council’s Local Transport Grant allocation.
The project aims to deliver a high-quality station and public domain in line with Inclusive Design best practices and heritage-sensitive design within the Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.
The design will explore measures to enhance passenger experience, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy, emphasized the importance of creating an enhanced gateway to the Lake District World Heritage Site, stating: "Sensitively creating an enhanced gateway to the Lake District World Heritage Site, through a redeveloped station and transport hub, is a critical component of the Windermere Gateway project.
"Creating this vision will put us in a much stronger position when lobbying for funding to make this a reality."
Consultants Mott MacDonald will lead the project, providing urban design, engineering, and engagement, with Owen Ellis Architects focusing on station architecture and Donald Insall Associates on heritage.
Community conversations will be held as part of the design development and engagement stages in late April or early May.
Tom Roberts, Mott MacDonald Project Lead, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to lead this landmark project. Windermere is a special place – and we’re excited to develop a station area concept that delivers for local communities, visitors and key stakeholders – whilst drawing on our extensive experience of national and international stations best practice.”
In conjunction with these efforts, plans have been submitted to the government to fund the Lakes Line passing loop and platform, aiming to double train frequency and reduce road congestion, collisions, and emissions.