Proposed development plans to extend Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina on the shores Windermere and transform it into the Lake District’s first luxury resort hotel have been given the green light.
The planning application submitted by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to the Lake District National Park Authority has been unanimously approved for a range of new facilities, additional bedrooms, improved infrastructure and renewable energy features. The project is set to create 30 full time equivalent jobs.
The plans for the future of the iconic 4 star hotel, which has been run by the Berry family for more than 60 years, were submitted earlier this year to secure its long term economic and environmental future. The focus has been on making a greater contribution to sustainable tourism and boosting the tourism offering of the Lake District as a whole.
Simon Berry, Managing Director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, says: “This is marvellous news. It’s the largest redevelopment of Low Wood Bay hotel since 1859, creating the Lake District’s first luxury destination resort.
“We’re thrilled that the Lake District National Park Authority recognises what we are trying to achieve. In setting its vision for the park to be ‘world class’, it is now clearly supporting business to deliver on that vision and is showing the faith to back us on this project.
“Our desire to create excellence and make significant improvements at one of our flagship hotel sites is a real fillip for both business and tourism in the area, especially at a time when the Lake District is seeking to attain World Heritage status.”
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has been working with the Lake District National Park Authority under a Planning Performance Agreement to bring the proposals to fruition. The design and access statement was produced by Lancaster based architects Mason Gillibrand.
Infrastructure improvements will include the creation of a new, dedicated entrance to the site, contemporary atrium linking all the resort facilities and significant renewable energy provisions, as well as 46 new bedrooms, new restaurant facilities, a multi sports pitch, an indoor spa, an outdoor spa with hot tubs, a heated infinity pool and a sauna.
The work at Low Wood Bay is scheduled to commence in the Spring of 2016 and is estimated to take 18 months to complete.
For more information about Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina click here