WORK has begun on a £1m project to upgrade and extend a landmark Lake District marina.

Improvements to Windermere Quays Marina - part of a wider regeneration strategy for the Bowness area - are expected to be completed this summer.

The work is the first major phase of development proposals for the site, which will eventually include a new visitors’ centre, restaurants, retail outlets and a hotel.

Phase one will see the overall number of berths at the marina increase from 180 to 260 to keep pace with the market demand and evolving vessel sizes

The design also incorporates improvements to lake piling, enabling the marina to accommodate extreme lake level rises.

Managed by UK-based Marina Projects Ltd, the scheme will introduce "significant enhancements" to the existing berthing facility, which is owned and operated by Windermere Aquatic.

The building work follows an extensive design and approvals process undertaken by Marina Projects to secure the necessary approval. Their work also included the negotiation of a new lease for the extended marina.

Planning approval required the implementation of a detailed consultation strategy with key stakeholders and regulators as well as commissioning specialist studies into navigation and marina design.

As part of a wider regeneration strategy for the Bowness area, Marina Projects is also playing a key role with the management of the overall site redevelopment proposals.

Windermere Aquatic's owner and managing director Grahame Armer said: “This project is the exciting first step in creating a world-class marina and visitor attraction at Bowness.

"The development will introduce a new marina that provides our customers with an unrivalled level of facilities and services on Windermere. Marina Projects have tailored the design to our specific requirements, ensuring the business meets the needs of present and future boating markets.”

Mike Ward, managing director of Marina Projects, said: “Having been involved in this project since its inception, we have worked closely with our client to overcome all of the challenges that have been faced. We are delighted to have been retained as project managers for the construction works and look forward to delivering a much-anticipated new marina development at Windermere Quays.”