A public consultation is now underway on proposed improvements to the area around Windermere Station, also known as the Windermere Gateway Area.
The consultation seeks views on proposals to transform the area, enhance the transport hub and improve traffic for the community, businesses and visitors.
Proposals include:
- The upgrade of two junctions on the A591 at Thwaites Lane and High Street to roundabout to improve traffic flow
- A new vehicle access route to Windermere station, creating a one way system
- Improving the railway station facilities
- Additional public car parking
- Safer, more direct walking and cycling links to the town to encourage sustainable travel
- Local and affordable housing for local people.
Lake District National Park director of sustainable development Steve Ratcliffe said: “We’re working with landowners, councils and the local community to facilitate this exciting project and encourage as many people as possible to have their say and let us know what they thing about these proposals.
“The Windermere Gateway project will help to support our communities with more local and affordable housing, more public car parking at the station, addressing existing highway issues, and ensuring that there is the capacity for more people to travel on the Lakes Line, supporting our ambitions to improve sustainable transport to the Lake District.”
South Lakeland District Council
Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of South Lakeland District Council and portfolio holder for promoting South Lakeland and innovation, said: “This exciting project provides a fantastic opportunity to create a world-class welcome for everyone arriving in Windermere.
“It sensitively creates an enhanced gateway to the Lake District World Heritage Site, through a redeveloped station and transport hub, as well as providing a significant amount of much-needed affordable housing for local people.
“It will also have the added benefit of helping our local economy to build back better after the coronavirus pandemic.”
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership
Jo Lappin, chief executive of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Cumbria LEP fully recognises the importance of the Windermere Gateway project and the role that it will play in improving connectivity and facilities for both residents and visitors.
“The Lake District National Park hosts almost 20 million visits each year, and improving the station’s facilities and providing better access links for cycling and walking to Windermere village will make a significant difference to creating a more sustainable visitor experience.
“In the medium term, the project will also support the development of new affordable homes and employment and leisure facilities to help meet the housing and employment needs of local residents.”
National Trust
The National Trust is one of the landowners involved in this project. Mike Innerdale, National Trust’s director of the north region added: “The Windermere Gateway project is a unique opportunity for the National Trust to make a difference in Windermere through land gifted to us, for use that financially supports our conservation work.
“This is very much a shared ambition and a partnership project supported by other landowners, local businesses and stakeholders. We are confident that developing National Trust land next to the railway station in a sensitive way will provide housing for local people, meet employment needs and will provide a catalyst to create a high-quality, fitting arrival point into the World Heritage national park and a transport hub to the Lakes.”
A dedicated webpage has been created to provide more information on the proposals at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/windermeregateway, and is supported by a frequently asked questions section.
Leaflets are also being sent to residents living nearest the gateway area, and people will be able to pick up a leaflet at Booths and Lakeland stores in Windermere.
The consultation closes on July 30 and a short survey can be found at: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/windermeregateway
