Award winning environmentally accredited attraction Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has announced a major investment project to redevelop their visitor facilities at Glenridding in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Lake District.
Phase one of the development project will be the construction of a pier extension which will allow greater flexibility in the way that the vessels can operate. Cumbrian contractors, Cubby Construction are leading on the project that will involve the creation of a short extension to the North end of the pier, a second bridge to link the south end of the pier with the Pierhouse building and a longer pier extension to the South.
The investment will result in improved service reliability and better connectivity, especially for the popular Aira Force shuttle service. This project will also allow greater safety and security for the fleet during winter months when the boats may be at risk from high water level events such those seen during Storm Desmond.
The project has begun offsite and the contractors will move on to the site on the 1st October 2018 with the aim to be completed before Christmas. It is anticipated that all timetabled services will run as advertised during the construction works although the number of car parking spaces will be reduced.
The pier extension is a timely improvement in advance of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ celebrating the 160th anniversary of their first steamer on the water and the 130th birthday of Raven with a gala of special events in July 2019.
Mark Horton, Manager Ullswater ‘Steamers’ says; “We are looking forward to bringing this project to fruition and improving our services for visitors and the benefits this will bring for the whole Ullswater Valley. Phase two of the project will include major improvements to our Pierhouse at Glenridding, with redeveloped toilets, retail, parking and refreshment areas, that will increase the quality of experience for both visitors and staff.”
