[A] ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the Glebe, Bowness on Windermere, today to formally mark the completion of road and public realm improvements in this popular lakeside location.
Approximately £2 million has been invested in a package of improvements, making it much easier and safer for people to access one of Cumbria’s most popular destinations.
The project has upgraded the Glebe with a series of public realm and access improvements, enhancing the area as a top destination for visitors.
Works have included:
- Road and footway improvements on Glebe Road.
- On-street parking bays rearranged to reduce the ‘barrier effect’ of parked cars and more crossing opportunities for pedestrians.
- Public realm improvements to the foreshore area.
Cumbria County Council led the project, with funding secured from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership through the Growth Deal and from South Lakeland District Council.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “The Glebe Road scheme has significantly enhanced this key lakeside destination, with public realm improvements to the foreshore area, enhanced footways and surfacing, and improved parking provision. The project has made a big difference to the Glebe Road area and will benefit both local residents and visitors. This scheme is part of the wider Optimising Connectivity project, which has also brought improvements on the A591 at Town End, Grasmere.”
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) funded improvements to the promenade and the shingle beach area, including new surfacing for footways, new street furniture and planting along the highway.
Councillor Graham Vincent, SLDC’s portfolio holder for economy and assets, said: “The work at the Glebe progressed well and the end result is very impressive. We are delighted to have helped fund the work as part of an overall investment in this world class waterfront destination.”
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership director Graham Haywood said: “It is good to see a key element of the Optimising Connectivity programme being completed. Better transport links and connectivity support business growth and a more diverse economy for the South Lakes area. Cumbria LEP has invested £2m in this project overall to increase the range of sustainable transport options available in the Lake District, including highway improvement schemes in key tourist hotspots at Grasmere and this one for the Glebe in Windermere. The project has also included cycleway improvements on Dunmail Raise in the heart of the Lake District.”
James Daplyn, Project Manager at Capita, which designed the improvements, said: “As one of five Local Enterprise Partnership projects which Capita are delivering for Cumbria County Council, we are extremely proud of the project at the Glebe. The works have transformed areas of the Glebe waterfront for locals and visitors alike.”
