Westmorland and Furness Council has appointed consultant Mott MacDonald to produce the concept masterplan for the redevelopment of the Windermere rail station area.
The project will upgrade the existing station into a transport hub supporting walking, cycling, taxis, and buses. Plans include clearer wayfinding and enhancements to the public realm.
According to statements released by both the Council and Mott MacDonald, the design approach incorporates Inclusive Design standards and addresses the heritage requirements of the site, which is located within a Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.
The scheme will also examine options related to passenger experience, sustainability, and climate resilience, they said.
Mott MacDonald will oversee project leadership, urban design, engineering, and community engagement, while Owen Ellis Architects will contribute architectural services for the station. Donald Insall Associates will provide heritage advice.
The master planning forms a component of the broader Windermere Gateway project led by Westmorland and Furness Council in collaboration with the Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, and developer Urban Splash.
The long-term strategy seeks to facilitate new housing, job creation, sustainable transport links, and a better arrival experience for residents and visitors.
Mott MacDonald project lead Tom Roberts 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”.
The design work is said to align with the Windermere Gateway Transport Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document adopted by the Lake District National Park Authority in 2021.
The council has allocated approximately £150,000 ($200,948) from its Local Transport Grant towards this phase of work.
Community discussions are scheduled during late April or early May as part of the design development process.
Westmorland and Furness Council leader and cabinet member for the economy Jonathan Brook said: "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.”
In parallel with these efforts, the Westmorland and Furness Council confirm submission of plans to government seeking funding for a passing loop and platform on the Lakes Line.
This infrastructure aims to increase train frequency while reducing road traffic congestion, collisions, and emissions.
Project partners are awaiting government approval and funding commitments to advance these improvements.
