A QUARTER-of-a-million pound project to upgrade a popular Lake District tourist destination could be completed by the end of the year.

Proposals in 2010 to spend £3million developing Waterhead failed when funding did not come forward.

But now plans to transform the shoreline, near Ambleside, have been finalised ahead of their submission to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA).

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is investing £250,000 to fund the improvements and Lakes Parish Council is also committing up to £20,000 to the scheme.

Councillor Giles Archibald, SLDC portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Town Centres and Small Businesses, said: “Waterhead is a magnet for visitors and locals alike and offers superb views of the lake.

“It deserves a high quality, attractive promenade in keeping with its spectacular surroundings."

Waterhead includes an extensive lake frontage, with a ferry pier and a mix of hotels, guesthouses, a youth hostel, pub, shops and cafes.

SLDC launched a consultation to ask people to have their say on proposals to improve the promenade, which include resurfacing walkways, repairing walls and installing a ‘panorama’ board to identify key Lakeland landmarks that can be seen from the shore.

More than 170 completed consultation responses were handed in, with the most popular ideas being to widen the promenade pinch point - which was considered important by three-quarters of respondents – and plans for 400mm dry stone walls to protect planting beds.

Plans to provide informal seating areas were welcomed as either ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ important by 72 per cent of respondents.

The finalised plans have now been drawn up, taking into account the results of the consultation.

As well as the widened promenade and dry stone walls, they include upgraded seating, including a curved continuous bench and other free-standing benches, as well as cycle stands and better landscaping, railings and litter bins.

The scheme also includes the installation of a disabled access ramp to the Waterhead Information Centre.

The plans have been shaped following steering group meetings and in partnership with key stakeholders, including the parish council, civic society, Cumbria Tourism, Lake District National Park and the two local district councillors - Heidi Halliday and Vivienne Rees.

If planning permission is approved a tendering process will start to find a contractor to carry out the work.

It is anticipated that work could begin on site in the autumn and be completed by the end of the year.