Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Westmorland and Furness Council to develop the concept masterplan for the Windermere rail station area — a flagship scheme set to transform the gateway into the Lake District and create a world‑class arrival experience for passengers.
The project will reimagine Windermere station as a vibrant, high‑quality transport hub, improving integration across rail, bus, taxi, walking and cycling links. It will also deliver significant public‑realm upgrades, clearer wayfinding, and facilities designed in line with Inclusive Design best practice. Importantly, the station redevelopment will be sensitively designed to respect its location within a Conservation Area and the Lake District World Heritage Site.
Mott MacDonald will lead the project, providing urban design, engineering, engagement and overall programme leadership. The consultancy is partnering with Owen Ellis Architects on the station architecture and Donald Insall Associates for heritage considerations.
Part of the wider Windermere Gateway programme, the scheme is being jointly driven by Westmorland and Furness Council, the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and developer Urban Splash. The long-term ambition is to unlock opportunities for new homes, jobs, sustainable mobility and an improved welcome for both residents and visitors.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy at Westmorland and Furness Council, 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.
"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 scheme builds on the Windermere Gateway Transport Infrastructure SPD, adopted by the Lake District National Park Authority in 2021, and will play a central role in future bids to unlock investment for the proposed upgrades.
Image credit: Train tracks
