£10m Masterplan to ‘revitalise’ Bowness Bay

A £10m masterplan to transform the waterfront at Bowness Bay and The Glebe has been revealed.

Following a year of consultation, the 74-page report by Manchester architect firm BDP details how the area – visited by millions of people – needs a fresh approach.

The document says that with private and public investment a “revitalised” Bowness Bay will encourage more visitors to stay longer. It adds that investment could create up to 80 jobs locally and a further 300 in South Lakeland.

The Framework Masterplan 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 area.

Paul Taylor, landscape architect for BDP’s Manchester office, said; “BDP is aware that this is a much loved region and one of national importance. We have endeavoured to produce a sensitive schematic vision befitting such a site; and one that balances the aspirations of the LDNP with the expectations of visitors, the needs of local residents and businesses and the requirements of other key stakeholders, funders and partners.”

LDNP will now work with both public and private sector  partners to drive forward the various elements of the proposals.

Steve Ratcliffe, LDNP director of planning and partnerships, said: “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 North West economy will lose business to other leisure and visitor destinations.”