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Latest News | CLICK HERE FOR MUSEUM INFORMATION The
construction of a new, state of the art and purpose designed facility to
house the Lakeland Motor Museum’s collection of some 30,000 exhibits is at an advanced
stage. Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the project at Backbarrow, near Newby Bridge at the southern end of Lake Windermere was officially started on the 15th May, when the NWDA Chief Executive Mr Steven Broomhead ‘cut the first sod.’
Left to right: Mr Steven Broomhead Chief Executive Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Mr Edwin Maher Managing Director Lakeland Motor Museum, Mr Nigel Wilkinson Director Lakeland Motor Museum The
museum is to transfer its operation from Holker Hall at Cark-in-Cartmel
where it has been since its establishment in 1978. The new museum will eventually be linked
by a new railway halt to the historic attractions of the Lakeside
and Haverthwaite Railway and to Windermere Lake Cruises. A transformation of the existing road transport related displays and the introduction of strands of motoring not presently included will be undertaken in readiness for a mid May (2010) public opening. Meanwhile, the museum has ceased its operation at Holker Hall, closing on the 1st November. At
the ‘cutting’ ceremony Mr Broomhead said: “This is an exciting
project making excellent use of a brown field site in an idyllic location.
The river bank setting is superb and the new railway halt will encourage
more visitors to use greener forms of transport to visit the museum.
As part of the Lake Windermere Waterfront programme this will strengthen
the Lake District’s brand as a quality visitor destination.” Following
close liaison with Kendal based architects O’Neil& Petrie, a design
was chosen to be sympathetic to the immediate area with a colour scheme
selected to reflect the industrial heritage of the site, in the
manufacture of Ultra Marine powder often referred to as ‘Dolly Blue.’ The
museum appointed Northwest based building contractor, Conlon
Construction Limited, which has offices in Preston and Manchester and work
began late May to form the new building footprint. Mr
Edwin Maher, the Museum’s Managing Director said: “We
have reached a significant milestone and are determined to create a world
class visitor attraction that will draw visitors to the area from all
parts of the UK and from overseas, contributing to the overall economic
activity of Cumbria and its visitor focused businesses.” The
Museum exists to collect, preserve and interpret motoring history for the
public benefit and to provide educational opportunities whilst providing a
thoroughly enjoyable visitor experience via an awakening of motoring
memories. Mr Maher concluded “We are extremely grateful to the NWDA for their support". Construction Update Featured
below are images showing how the new build is progressing.
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