Best waterfront ever
A far reaching master plan to transform one of the Lake District’s most visited locations into ‘the best waterfront ever’ is revealed today (Thursday 27 May).
Following a year of widespread consultations, the 74-page report into the future of Bowness Bay and The Glebe details how the area - visited by millions of people - needs a fresh approach.
The document says that a properly “revitalised” Bowness Bay – with private and public investment - will encourage more visitors to stay longer. And it could create up to 80 jobs locally and a further 300 in South Lakeland.
The Framework Masterplan is a vision for future development which covers tourism, cultural opportunities, design, transport and future development. It aims to help the Lake District National Park make crucial planning decisions and attract funding for the iconic area.
Alongside 12 months of consultations, interactive exhibitions have been staged on the future of the world famous Windermere lake frontage.
LDNP director of planning and partnerships, Steve Ratcliffe, said while Bowness Bay and The Glebe remain a prime location, some people think they look a little tired.
He added: “First impressions are very important and Bowness Bay has to satisfy the many different demands of both visitors and residents.
“Visitors increasingly want better services and experiences. Unless this can be achieved, the Lake District and the wider northwest economy will lose business to other leisure and visitor destinations.
“We want Bowness Bay to be the best waterfront ever and welcome the masterplan report by consultants BDP.”
Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: "Bowness is highly dependent on the visitor economy, and visitors are demanding better services and experiences.
“The greatest demands placed on Bowness are to provide greater quality and diversity of experiences.
"These proposals offer a unique opportunity for improvements which will make the area stand out above competing destinations. I would encourage people to work together for the future success of the area’s economic and social development.”
LDNP will now work with partners to champion the various elements of the proposals and work with both public and private sectors to bring together land assets, local businesses and organisations.
For more information, please link to the masterplan.
