A TEAM led by one of the country’s leading firms of landscape architects has been appointed to map out and design the next phase in the major redevelopment of Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre on the shores of Windermere.

Cheshire-base Planit–IE already have a working history with Brockhole, as they provided the creative ideas for the landside works around the new jetty last year.

“Anyone who has visited Brockhole in the last 12 months will have seen some major changes – a new jetty linking in with the lake cruises, exhibitions telling the story of the Lake District, extra retail opportunities in the shop, a new menu in the café, open water swimming and animal experiences - and a new high ropes course that will open later this year,” said Brockhole Programme Director Adam Thomas.

“Now, as the first stage of changes concludes, our thoughts are with what happens next to create an inspiring centre that encourages visitors and local people to explore and celebrate the Lake District,” he added.

Some ideas from the Planit team already include a new adventure play area, treetop walks, restoration of the gardens with a new contemporary entrance, space for concerts, facilities for outdoor learning, water-sports facilities and sustainable visitor centre.

“We are delighted to have won the contract at Brockhole and to be working in the Lake District again. It is one of our favourite places and with its fantastic property location on the shores of Windermere it has all the ingredients, based around its heritage assets, to become a truly world class visitor attraction” said Pete Swift, Director of Planit-IE.

Later in the year the public will have the opportunity to be involved online in the creation of the masterplan for Brockhole’s future.