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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.