£4 million convention centre planned for Windermere lakeshore (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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£4 million convention centre planned for Windermere lakeshore
10:24am Thursday 26th April 2012 in Business
By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter
An artist's impression of the new centre
A STRIKING 600-delegate convention and exhibition centre on the shores of Windermere looks set to get the go-ahead next week.
The glass-fronted complex, which would be the largest of its kind in the Lake District, would be built next to the A591 opposite the Low Wood Hotel.
But opponents are worried about increased traffic and Friends of the Lake District said the development would have a detrimental impact on the lake shore.
Described as being a ‘world-class visitor destination’, the £4million centre would also host concerts, exhibitions, dinners and product launches. It would create 35 new jobs and attract businesses from across the UK.
Filling a long-established need for a major conference centre in South Lakeland, it would also incorporate innovative ‘green’ features, including a ground source heat pump, and would be powered by hydro-electric.
Director of Low Wood owners English Lakes Hotels Tim Berry said: “We hope this iconic building will be a wonderful asset to South Lakeland, creating jobs and attracting business leaders and organisations from all over the country.
“If we are going to entice these people here then we really need to give them the ‘wow factor’ so they spread the word that the Lake District is a great place to come and do business.”
The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay would be demolished and relocated into nearby garages to make way for the centre, which English Lakes said would ‘blend sympathetically’ with its surroundings.
The company already has permission to build a conference centre at Low Wood Bay but is seeking fresh planning consent for the new modern design.
Derek Armstrong, chair of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said the centre would help attract firms looking to host corporate events in the Lake District from major cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.
“It’s a good idea and would get more businesses coming to view Cumbria,” said Mr Armstrong.
“You never know what these things are going to lead to. Businesses could come up, see what a good place it is and build a factory somewhere.”
Jonathan Denby, chairman of Lakes Hospitality Association, described the plan as ‘exciting’, adding: “Bold initiatives like this are just what the Lakes needs.”
Cumbria Tourism is supporting the scheme, saying the case for more conference facilities in the Lake District had been made in a series of studies.
But Friends of the Lake District has objected to the project, citing the ‘significant, adverse impact on the tranquil character of the lakeshore’.
The charity said the design was too ‘urban’ and added: “We object to the scale of the building and the resultant increase in activity, which are not sympathetic to the characteristics and sensitivities of the location.
“We have particular concerns over the visual impact of significant areas of glass fronting the lake, which are likely to reflect sunlight and generate light pollution.”
It is hoped some visitors would travel to the centre by boat, reducing traffic, but some people remain worried about safety.
The civic trusts of both Ambleside and Windermere have both objected because of the loss of a green field site for parking and concerns about the safety of pedestrians.
Lakes Parish Council said it was concerned about pedestrian safety and the impact of the increased traffic on the A591.
Cumbria Highways officials said the traffic plans drawn up were ‘adequate’.
Lake District National Park Authority planners have recommended that the scheme is delegated to the head of development to approve. Its report said the scheme could bring ‘many economic benefits’.A decision will be made on Wednesday.
Comments(52)
Ben Berry
says...
11:22am Thu 26 Apr 12
This centre will provide a world class convention centre and open Windermere up to far more people. As ever its disappointing that the fiends of the lake district do not want anyone but their members to come here.
ianrosie
says...
11:28am Thu 26 Apr 12
Now, we stayed two nights, ate a lot of food and drank plenty of nice wine.
Catering for conferences of this size will support many, many, many local suppliers as well as bring lots of trade to the South Lakes and the Lake District in general.
Friends of the Lake District, I have never really researched who they are but as far as I can see all they want to do is let OUR wonderful Lake District stagnate.
Ambitious plans and I fully support them, I hope common sense prevails and this goes ahead without any further fuss.
Good luck English Lakes Hotels.
lakesailor
says...
11:51am Thu 26 Apr 12
I am wondering if a complaint to the Trading Standards about the Friends of the Lake District would be fruitful.
They can hardly be regarded as "friends".
All they do is object to anything that constitutes a change.
Their complaints have plumbed the depths of the ridiculous now with
“We have particular concerns over the visual impact of significant areas of glass fronting the lake, which are likely to reflect sunlight and generate light pollution.”
Light pollution? From the Sun?
Perhaps it's time to start an opposing body.
The Real Friends of the Lake District, maybe.
Milkbutnosugarplease
says...
12:20pm Thu 26 Apr 12
Roysyboy
says...
1:18pm Thu 26 Apr 12
laker1
says...
1:27pm Thu 26 Apr 12
eamonnguitar
says...
1:50pm Thu 26 Apr 12
lakesailor
says...
2:29pm Thu 26 Apr 12
Roysyboy wrote:Yes, let's make into a commune and we'll all benefit from everybody's efforts.
The Victorians ruined Windermere and now it is going to be further ruined. And for whom? The workers of Cumbira, or the friends of the well-to-do who live off the labour of others?
You weren't Wolfie in an earlier existence maybe?
"Power to the People!"
Sawreyispoke
says...
3:18pm Thu 26 Apr 12
B.Pedreaper
says...
3:30pm Thu 26 Apr 12
Build it in Kendal, if at all.
laker1
says...
6:38pm Thu 26 Apr 12
twitchy
says...
7:08pm Thu 26 Apr 12
When will the LDNPA understand that it should be conserving and preserving the national park and utilize the already large footprint that is Brockhole. Another under used and expensive building is just NOT necessary.
laker1
says...
7:22pm Thu 26 Apr 12
lakesailor
says...
11:37pm Thu 26 Apr 12
They usually think "they" should do something about it. Whoever this mythical "they" may be.
mailman1964
says...
7:55am Fri 27 Apr 12
the progressive left? only if you count going backwards!
stephenhargreaves
says...
8:50am Fri 27 Apr 12
churchy66
says...
9:19am Fri 27 Apr 12
Adam_Kendal
says...
9:22am Fri 27 Apr 12
As for the Friends of the Lake District objecting to the project, citing the “significant, adverse impact on the tranquil character of the lakeshore” why don’t they take a look at the buildings on the lakeshore in Bowness which are tired, dated and far worse on the eye?
It would be interesting to know how many for the member of the Friends of the Lake District “movement” actually live in the Lake District and how many are wealthy folk from afar who simply have a second home in the area.
Well done English Lakes!!
fellsman
says...
9:23am Fri 27 Apr 12
twitchy wrote:I think you need to try and get an understanding of how successful business works. If a company like English Lakes invest the sort of money needed to build a conference centre, you can bet it will be well marketed and well used and it will be of the highest standard (It has to be to attract the customers they will be targetting). Brockhole on the other hand is owned and run by an organisation which basically hasn't a living clue about how to run a successful business - why should they, it's not their money that they waste.
Silly waste of money when there is a suitable site closer to Windermere at Brockhole with a new jetty--the building with some development and tlc would make a great conference centre. There is also plenty of space to build up to the roadside.
When will the LDNPA understand that it should be conserving and preserving the national park and utilize the already large footprint that is Brockhole. Another under used and expensive building is just NOT necessary.
life cycle too
says...
11:16am Fri 27 Apr 12
Sawreyispoke wrote:You seem to have given a lot more thought about the convention centre side, which will earn the money, and neglected the concert venue aspect.
Everywhere needs a convention centre. People will be able to wander past the "entry for delegates only" signs and say "thats our convention centre" and feel proud...or not as the case might be. Will it benefit the area or just be a blot on the landscape? I hope, the former will be the case, but experience tells me the latter is more likely. Do you really want more 'with it' men in spotty ties driving BMWs and making 'vital' phone calls in fag breaks. Now if they held a naturist convention.....I could be persuaded of a certain merit, if you follow my drift... evening swims and all that sort of thing.
Others have asked about the Shepherds Complex in Bowness and Brockhole.
I am sure that if they had either the space at the former, or the funds at the latter, they might have considered it - but they don't.
I support this as a welcome facility, and a pleasing design - just look at the Lakeland building in Windermere which is equally modern, yet not out of place.
The fact it upsets the FotLD is an added bonus!
laker1
says...
11:23am Fri 27 Apr 12
churchy66
says...
11:33am Fri 27 Apr 12
laker1 wrote:Hear hear!! And so say all of us!!
Anything that upsets the FotLD is an added bonus!!
can't_sleep
says...
10:59pm Fri 27 Apr 12
life cycle too
says...
12:35am Sat 28 Apr 12
SamSykes
says...
8:49am Sat 28 Apr 12
Lakeuk
says...
10:54am Sat 28 Apr 12
Talk about clutching a straws
blade stall
says...
1:19pm Sat 28 Apr 12
laker1
says...
1:51pm Sat 28 Apr 12
LdOldTimer
says...
6:16pm Sat 28 Apr 12
fellsman
says...
7:39pm Sat 28 Apr 12
twitchy
says...
7:40pm Sat 28 Apr 12
LdOldTimer wrote:I agree LdOldTimer, well said. This is a commercial development and will add nothing to the natural beauty of the Lakes. As for employment it may provide that, for any number of Eastern Europeans.
People seem to forget that this place is in a National Park. For these people let me remind them that a National Park is a place of natural beauty which we all, well most of us, wish to preserve. People who wish to build a large building on the shores of a Lake do so purely for their own selfish business reasons. If this building was set back away from the road, there may be a glimmer of some reasoning, but on the shores of the Lake ? This spot that is proposed shows a wonderful view of the lake from the road when travelling from Windermere to Ambleside. Even though I live here I often comment on the stunning effect. Tourists especially must say 'Wow ! ". To even suggest to put up a large building here I find worrying.
I hope this potential blot on the landscape is refused.
blade stall
says...
8:50pm Sat 28 Apr 12
twitchy
says...
11:34pm Sat 28 Apr 12
blade stall wrote:With respect blade stall I can't see the "lakes dying a lingering death"if this development is withdrawn and since I do rely on tourism I am a concerned party. It is overdevelopment and inappropiate development that terrifies me. The Low Wood is already a well developed siteand try as I might I can't see it blending in or enhancing the Windermere shoreline.
You know one of the most fascinating aspects of living in a democracy is the diversity of opinions people have, and developments like these really polarise those opinions, and all should be highly respected. However when you state the aim of a national park is to preserve its unique beauty, you ommit the second part of the constitution which is to promote business and access to all where appropriate. Without ground breaking schemes like these the lakes would die a lingering death, the jobs would go, and so would the tourists. Now im speculating that is no concern of yours.. but to all those with even a modicum of vision and legacy that idea is terrifying. i wish the development control committee the best of luck on wednesday and acknowledge the tough task they face.
The Shop Doctor
says...
11:12am Sun 29 Apr 12
This is an excellent opportunty to provide an iconic and well planned facility that will help to maintain and enhance the reputation of the Lake District as a world class visitor destination.
English Lakes Hotels are a well respected family company who understand, and work extremely hard to meet, the expectations of their clients whilst being fully appreciative and responsible towards the environment within which they operate.
Such investment is essential to help maintain and develop a vibrant local economy that delivers not just for those who visit but for those that live and work in the area as well.
lakesailor
says...
1:28pm Sun 29 Apr 12
You appear far too rational and logical to comment on here.
In addition to your comments I wonder if any of the protestors are considering what the new building will be replacing?
A motley collection of huts.
Is that what people really want preserving?
fellsman
says...
9:12pm Sun 29 Apr 12
twitchy
says...
11:43pm Sun 29 Apr 12
fellsman wrote:There is nothing wrong with preserving the past a lot of the Lakes attractions are just that...Wordsworth,Be
150 years ago, these people would have been fighting against the coming of the railways, the developments along the lakeshore of the very houses (like Brockhole) they now wish to preserve as being within keeping. Time to move on folks, there's too many living in the past
atrix Potter to name just two of the long dead but well preserved, and rightly so. New, innovative and ground breaking does not always mean desirable, and in an area that promotes its scenery, its history and its tranquility needs to look very carefully at the impact any new development might make.
fellsman
says...
7:47am Mon 30 Apr 12
Kendmoor
says...
11:02am Mon 30 Apr 12
life cycle too
says...
11:13am Mon 30 Apr 12
fellsman wrote:It's just the latest in a long line of questionable applications...! :-)
150 years ago, these people would have been fighting against the coming of the railways, the developments along the lakeshore of the very houses (like Brockhole) they now wish to preserve as being within keeping. Time to move on folks, there's too many living in the past
You forgot to mention Wray Castle? Old Bridge House? Stott Park Bobbin Mill - how did they ever get away with such developments?
Of course we should preserve the past - but which bits?
I see ricketts (tragically) made a reappearance in London early this year - it used to be commonplace when the developments I mentioned were built! Luckily we have moved on in medical terms - we just need our architecture to catch up!
fellsman
says...
1:56pm Mon 30 Apr 12
life cycle too wrote:You forgot about the slate quarries and other mines which scarred our beautiful landscape these are now seen as part and parcel of the Lake District and a vital part of our heritage (can you imagine what this lot would say about those!!) I say again we need the old and the new
fellsman wrote:It's just the latest in a long line of questionable applications...! :-)
150 years ago, these people would have been fighting against the coming of the railways, the developments along the lakeshore of the very houses (like Brockhole) they now wish to preserve as being within keeping. Time to move on folks, there's too many living in the past
You forgot to mention Wray Castle? Old Bridge House? Stott Park Bobbin Mill - how did they ever get away with such developments?
Of course we should preserve the past - but which bits?
I see ricketts (tragically) made a reappearance in London early this year - it used to be commonplace when the developments I mentioned were built! Luckily we have moved on in medical terms - we just need our architecture to catch up!
Blogtrotter
says...
2:32pm Mon 30 Apr 12
onelocal
says...
5:28pm Mon 30 Apr 12
I have never understood why a conference center, or concert hall needs to be in such a position. Attendees at business conferences are there for a purpose, to attend a conference. Views from the conference hall are a distraction.
It would be far more effective if the conference center was placed behind the Low Wood Hotel, leaving the lake shore and the beautiful views for attendees at such conferences to sit or walk and gain inspiration from nature.
life cycle too
says...
5:47pm Mon 30 Apr 12
The view you currently see as you drive (or walk) past will still be there.
Behind the hotel is the car park and a hill - unlikely to prove suitable for building on.
laker1
says...
6:11pm Mon 30 Apr 12
life cycle too wrote:Absolutely right - the site for the development is not particularly visible from the road at present - I don't think that English Lakes are stupid enough to block off the hotel from one of the best views in the country, so the iconic view will remain unchanged, only the unsightly development that is on the lake shore at present would be altered
Onelocal - if you look at the pictures above, you will see that the centre will be to the left as you look at the view of Langdales etc., where the water sports centre is currently - the collection of various wooden huts which exist, and go largely unnoticed.
The view you currently see as you drive (or walk) past will still be there.
Behind the hotel is the car park and a hill - unlikely to prove suitable for building on.
love the lakes
says...
5:46pm Tue 1 May 12
Roger Cartwright
says...
11:21am Wed 2 May 12
I was disappointed by the extreme commercial development when I visited Banff National Park in 1994. I thought how lucky we were not to have such massive ugly hotels, (probably convention/conferenc
e centres) in our National Parks!
life cycle too
says...
12:40pm Wed 2 May 12
Not traditional wooden boats, but glass and plastic greenhouses full of tourists, plying their trade.
Even the yachts at lo Wood are fibre glass and aluminium masts, which have not the slightest resemblance to the "traditional" sailing craft of Lake Windermere!
So how come Jack Ellerby is not urging the removal of ALL plastic craft from the lake while he decries this modern land based design?
Jack, if you are reading this, look at how the Lakes USED to look - and ask if or at which point we should have stopped all development of the area?
https://picasaweb.go
ogle.com/WindermereC
umbria/WindermereOld
Photos
Ben Berry
says...
2:13pm Wed 2 May 12
We've been at Low Wood 60 years and we look forward to the next 60.
ianrosie
says...
2:18pm Wed 2 May 12
Ben Berry wrote:Delighted for your family and the staff of English Lakes Hotels Ben!
Well it passed overwhemingly 12 to 1. The only against was a Lib Dem councillor.
We've been at Low Wood 60 years and we look forward to the next 60.
laker1
says...
4:00pm Wed 2 May 12
Ben Berry wrote:Well done Ben - well done National Park - perhaps there may be some hope for the future - lets have more inspiring designs that will blend in so well with the beauty of the area and its heritage
Well it passed overwhemingly 12 to 1. The only against was a Lib Dem councillor.
We've been at Low Wood 60 years and we look forward to the next 60.
Ben Berry says...
11:21am Thu 26 Apr 12
This centre will provide a world class convention centre and open Windermere up to far more people. As ever its disappointing that the fiends of the lake district do not want anyone but their members to come here.