Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Westmorland and Furness Council to design the concept masterplan for the Windermere rail station area, creating a transformational welcome to the Lake District.
Opened in 1847, Windermere railway station serves the English town of Windermere, in Cumbria. It is the northern terminus of the Windermere Branch Line, which runs from Oxenholme, is owned by Network Rail and operated by Northern Trains. The station was once much bigger than at present, but three of its four tracks were taken out of use when economy measures saw the branch was reduced to a one-train operated single line in 1973. The single track was again cut back to a new truncated station in 1986, following the demolition of its train shed.
However, a newly announced regeneration plan for the station aims to return it to its glory days – with a scheme to transform the station into a vibrant regional transport hub, improving connections for walking, cycling, taxis and buses. Designed in line with Inclusive Design best practice, the project will deliver a heritage sensitive upgrade within the Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, while also exploring opportunities to improve passenger experience, sustainability and climate resilience.
Overseeing the project – which is part of the wider Windemere Gateway scheme – will be experts from Mott MacDonald, supplying project leadership, urban design, engineering and engagement services along the way. The firm will also partner with Owen Ellis Architects for the station architecture and Donald Insall Associates for the heritage aspects of the scheme.
Westmorland and Furness Council leader and cabinet member for the economy Jonathan Brook commented, “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. Working together, the partners are committed to all aspects of Windermere Gateway, and creating a world-class welcome for rail and bus passengers would boost the local transport infrastructure and enhance the experience of travelling for everybody who lives, works or visits this area.”
The Windemere Gateway project is jointly led by Westmorland and Furness Council, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust and their developer Urban Splash. The long-term vision is to unlock opportunities for a mix of new homes, jobs, sustainable transport connections and an improved welcome for residents and visitors alike.
The Mott MacDonald Group is a management, engineering and development consultancy headquartered in the UK, and employing more than 19,000 staff in 150 countries.
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.”
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