Preliminary designs for a new active travel route along Kendal’s riverside are set to go on show.
The project is a key part of the Heart of Kendal programme, a transformative initiative funded by the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund. The programme will deliver lasting improvements that support local businesses, enhance public spaces and create a better-connected Kendal.
The riverside route is one of several Heart of Kendal projects, which include:
- Repurposing the Westmorland Shopping Centre and provide new education accommodation, creating a third campus for Kendal College;
- Regenerating and reimagining Kendal’s historic Indoor Market Hall to support local traders and enhance the visitor experience; and,
- Renewing Market Place and Kent Street to enhance the public realm and create a more attractive town centre.
Additional funding made available through the Local Transport Grant and Active Travel Fund 5 has enabled the route to be extended beyond original scope proposed in the Heart of Kendal bid.
The improved active travel route also delivers on Kendal's Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), laying the foundation for a comprehensive walking and cycling network in the town. The aim is to connect the town centre to surrounding residential areas, encouraging more everyday journeys to be made by walking, wheeling and cycling and creating links between homes, schools and workplaces.
Drop-in sessions will be held at Kendal Parish Hall on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November between 1pm and 6pm, where attendees can view the plans and speak directly to the project team.
An online survey will be available from Wednesday 5 November, allowing people to share their views until 26 November. Printed versions will be available to view in Kendal Town Hall, Kendal Library and Holy Trinity Kendal Parish Church.
The proposed route starts at the Stramongate junction, follows along the A65 New Road to Kent Street junction, and continues along the riverside path to Dowker Lane and up to Nether Bridge.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: "The Heart of Kendal programme will make a real difference to the people of Kendal and all who come to our town.
"The riverside active travel project is an exciting opportunity to make it easier to get around the town without using a car. I urge anybody interested in the plans to go to one of the drop-in sessions or take part in the online survey."
Feedback from the consultation will inform the development of more detailed designs for the route, which are scheduled to go before the council's South Lakeland Locality Board in February.
Click here to take part in the consultation from Wednesday 5 November.