A LAKE District railway station is to be transformed into a world heritage site 'gateway.'

The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) and others will explore a range of options to enhance Windermere station by increasing its capacity, improving access and creating a first class visitor experience.

With Windermere the only public transport rail head for the heart of the Lake District, and rises in visitor numbers predicted following the national park's attainment of World Heritage Site Status earlier this year, the aim is to support further growth in the Cumbrian economy and give people the chance to travel into the area efficiently by rail rather than road.

Several organisations are coming together to work on the plans, including the Lakes Line Community Rail Partnership, Network Rail, LDNPA, the National Trust, Cumbria County Council and local businesses.

Work is already in early stage development with feasibility studies to be commissioned on station development and funding opportunities. The proposals include measures to improve access to and from the station for all modes of transport, including the local bus network, helping to increase links to local attractions and businesses and improve onward travel to the lake and other destinations.

“This is a great opportunity to improve the access and visitor experience to a key location in Cumbria and to drive economic growth," said Jim Jackson, board member of Cumbria LEP. “We want to create a truly world class visitor experience for people who come to Windermere.

"These proposals seek to maximise Windermere’s improved links to Manchester airport during the course of the Northern franchise being delivered as part of the Great North Rail Project. They also dovetail with our infrastructure plan and our work with Transport for the North.”

Mike McKinley, chair of the LDNPA, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to transform the visitor experience on arriving in Windermere and create a fantastic gateway to the world heritage site.”

Keith Little, CCC cabinet member for transport, said: “Windermere station is the starting point for so many visitors to our county and it’s right that it should make a statement. It will also mean we maximise the benefits of future improvements to rail connections to Manchester. I look forward to this project being delivered.”

The LEP is also seeking improved frequency of services between Oxenholme and Windermere, as well as additional through trains to Manchester, including morning and evening services. These discussions are continuing.