Work is set to begin later this month, on the start of a eighteen month project to build the new Windermere Jetty Museum.
The development will begin on the 20th of November, and it's due to open in 2017 - in time for Lake District’s summer tourist season.
The museum, which will be built by contractor, Thomas Armstrong Limited, will secure the future of the nationally significant boat collection established by George Pattinson.
It will include displays of steam launches, motorboats, yachts and other vessels and tell the stories of their construction, owners and use on Windermere.
David Atkinson, Managing Director of Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd, said: "As a Cumbrian Company we are proud to have been appointed by Lakeland Arts to construct the new Windermere Jetty. We have worked with the client and their design team to develop the scheme and look forward to working on this prestigious project. The completed museum will be a glorious addition to Cumbria’s tourist attractions."
Martin Ainscough, Chairman of Lakeland Arts, said: "We are delighted to appoint Thomas Armstrong as the main contractor and look forward to working with them to build the world-class museum in a famously beautiful location on Windermere. This is a major step towards opening the Museum to the public so that everyone can enjoy seeing the historic boats on display in the exhibition galleries and on the lake."
Award winning architects, Carmody Groarke were selected to design the Museum through open international competition organised by the RIBA and it received planning approval in June 2013.
Andy Groarke, Partner Carmody Groarke Architects said: "We are delighted that the construction of the Windermere Jetty is about to begin on site. This marks the final exciting stage in the process of designing and realising Lakeland Arts’ vision for new museum, which is important to this beautiful setting and the ongoing care of the collection that it will house."
Steve Ratcliffe, director of sustainable development for the Lake District National Park said: "This marks an historic milestone for the redevelopment of the steamboat museum and I am delighted to see it progressing. It’s opening to the public will, hopefully, coincide with World Heritage Inscription for the Lake District in 2017. As a quality build that respects its lakeshore surroundings and is accessible to all by sustainable transport from around the lake, I truly expect it to epitomise our Vision for the National Park."
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, commented: "It is wonderful news that a contractor has been found to build the new Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories, especially a contractor with roots in Cumbria. The museum is quite unique as a working museum that will bring to life the stories behind Windermere’s proud history of boat-making. I cannot wait for the new building to open so I can have a look myself at Lakeland Arts’ fantastic collection of historic boats. I am grateful for the support the Heritage Lottery Fund continues to give to Cumbria."
Martyn Heighton, Director of National Historic Ships UK said: "These are inland and Lakeland craft of truly national and international significance, as reflected by the investment which the National Heritage memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund has made in this Collection. The stunning design of the linked buildings are of a scale and style that will complement the boats housed in them and give visitors a real sense of place. Once open, this will be a 'must see' heritage attraction."
Lakeland Arts has raised £16.5m towards the final project costs of £16.7m. Further support has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £12.5m, and the Regional Grant Fund has donated £1.75m.
More support has been made by several individual donors, trusts and foundations.
Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: "This is a milestone moment for Lakeland Arts. As its main funder, we’re hugely encouraged that building work is about to start at Rayrigg Bay. Steamboats have always been integral to Lake District history and, thanks to National Lottery players, this much-anticipated new museum will now bring to life stories of local boatbuilders and their families."
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive added: "Windermere Jetty is a very exciting new development for Lakeland Arts and is a fitting addition to our portfolio of attractions Abbot Hall Art Gallery and the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry in Kendal, and Blackwell The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere.
"We would love to hear from anyone who would like to support us to complete Windermere Jetty and open it as a fabulous new heritage attraction."
