People interested in plans to create the Windermere Gateway are invited to drop-in sessions this month.
The Windermere Gateway project is a partnership between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Westmorland and Furness Council and housing developer Urban Splash, with a long-term vision to unlock opportunities for a mix of new homes, jobs, sustainable transport connections and an improved welcome for residents and visitors alike.
On Friday September 19 and Saturday September 20 in the Marchesi Centre in Windermere, people will be able to find out more and take part in question-and-answer sessions with senior representatives from all the project partners.
Anybody is welcome to drop in between 2pm and 8pm on Friday and 10am until 3pm on Saturday.
Short presentations, followed by question-and-answer sessions with representatives from the LDNPA, Westmorland and Furness Council, the National Trust and Urban Splash, have been scheduled for 4pm and 7pm on Friday and 11am and 1.30pm on Saturday.
There is no need to submit questions or book attendance. People are asked to simply turn up whenever is best for them and take part in the session. Questions can also be asked informally.
The Windermere Gateway ambition is to integrate improved rail infrastructure – Lakes Line passing loop and station upgrades – highways, housing, employment, and public realm.
The housing element of the Windermere Gateway will see around 242 new homes delivered on the Orrest Head site, of which it is currently proposed that a minimum of 133 will be affordable (subject to planning consent and receipt of funding).
The site is allocated in the Lake District National Park’s Local Plan for housing and employment. The land is owned by the National Trust, which selected Urban Splash as its development partner for the site through a competitive procurement process
The partners said Windermere Gateway represented the most significant housing allocation inside the national park and will represent the greatest opportunity for affordable homes delivered at this scale.
Highways improvements, which have received planning permission and will be delivered by Westmorland and Furness Council subject to the housing development receiving planning permission, will open up the land for housing.
It includes access to the site, visibility and safety measures, surface material changes to better highlight the presence of the junction and encourage drivers to reduce speed and give pedestrian and cyclist priority.
As part of the Windermere Gateway, the National Trust plans to move from its current Grasmere office to a new, purpose-built office at the Orrest Head Farm site.
Urban Splash would work with a registered social housing provider to bring forward the affordable homes, while details of housing numbers, mix, type and tenure are all still subject to further development.
Meanwhile, 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.
The focus is now on securing government backing and the significant funding to progress the improvements.
Westmorland and Furness Council is also working to secure funding to create a transport hub in and around the railway station with better connections for walking, cycling, taxis, and buses, alongside public realm and wayfinding upgrades.
