Brockhole's future
Creating a world class visitor attraction
Last updated: 25 February 2008
There are plans to develop the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole into a world-class visitor attraction. Here is the latest update:
I hear you are going to knock down Brockhole – how can you contemplate doing such a thing?
Contrary to stories in the press, we haven’t actually taken a decision to knock down Brockhole. The decisions made so far have been:
- That the house and grounds should be kept in the ownership of the National Park for the future benefit of the public and
- That we should develop plans for its future use as a world class visitor experience.
No more than that at this stage.
But the papers have pictures of an ‘Eden Centre’ design of appalling domes to replace the current building?
Yes, as part of our initial work, some designs were put together, but purely as ideas for how the centre might develop. These are no more than concepts or possibilities to show what a redeveloped Brockhole could look like if we took the decision to undertake a major redevelopment.
But what about those domes – surely those cannot in any way be considered in keeping with the local landscape?
Well, despite the newspaper reports, no-one has agreed to build any domes! But actually, in that particular idea, the domes were merely internal structures which would not be seen from the outside. They would simply house new display areas and would be contained within any new building.
But what about the historic value of Brockhole - isn’t it an historically important lakeside building?
The western façade of the building facing the lake certainly presents a very attractive view. Unfortunately and mainly as a result of over 20 years use as a convalescent home from 1945, there is virtually nothing of the original internal character left. English Heritage has offered the view that they would not list the building as being of architectural or historic importance – though we are investigating this further. It has been much altered over the years and now consists of a rabbit warren of small spaces and public areas that do not connect together well. If we did redevelop, one of the possibilities might be to retain the western façade in a new structure.
Yes, but what about the gardens – they are listed
That’s absolutely right and they will continue to form the landscape core of the setting. Indeed English Heritage have recently received an application to upgrade the listing of the garden from its current grade II status. The gardens will be protected and restored (much of the ‘hard’ structure of the terraces is currently deteriorating) and we will respect and promote the work of one of the region’s best known landscape designers. One of the biggest challenges in any new development will be to provide (or retain) a built environment that will complement the relationship between house and gardens as was originally intended.
So what would any new building look like - a modern carbuncle of glass amidst this wonderful scenery?
If we did decide to rebuild, the architectural design would be of the highest quality and would incorporate regional design features, local materials, total energy efficiency and effective visitor facilities. The aim would be to provide what in a century will be recognised as a classic building of the early 21st century, just as iconic Victorian and Edwardian buildings are today. The Lake District is a dynamic landscape that has evolved over time through human activity – it is important that it continues to thrive and reflect changing times through carefully planned development.
So you are going to give yourselves planning consent when you refuse it for others?
Planning in the National Park is currently under review – we will not do anything here that is not totally transparent and in accordance with planning policies.
But what is wrong with Brockhole as it seems full of contented visitors enjoying the site and all it has to offer?
it is the very popularity of Brockhole that confirms how important and valued this site is, although visitor numbers are declining. It is one of the few places on the eastern side of Windermere where visitors can gain relatively peaceful access to the lakeshore and enjoy quality relaxation in an uncluttered landscape. None of its current facilities will be lost, but we believe that they can be improved significantly – particularly in the way in which we tell the story of the area and offer much better wet-weather and all-year round facilities. At the moment, there is no comparable facility which tells the unique story of the region from creation to the present day in the way in which Brockhole could. To do this properly will require a major project and major investment, which we believe will once again attract higher numbers of visitors.
How much is this going to cost – I have read £30 million?
We don’t know yet because we have not developed the detailed plans – this is all conceptual at this stage in order to find a way of providing an even better facility for the visitor. But it is possible that with highest quality design, the most up to date technology in telling the story of the area and new facilities, the total cost would be well over £15 million. But this is all part of the project – to talk to existing supporters and funding bodies and put together an agreed package. Clearly without that, which will need to be based on a watertight business case, the project won’t go ahead.
Brockhole is a really big project – how will you manage the development process?
We have established a Brockhole Redevelopment Programme which will follow tried and tested project management techniques. The overall programme will be managed by a Programme Board advised by the Brockhole Redevelopment Steering Group. Expert advice will be sought from partners to advise on a range of different subjects from conservation to economic development.
Well, I’ve still not convinced; it all seems like an expensive attempt to make money
We have to be realistic about what we do. We could have sold the property to eliminate the huge annual costs of running it as it is. But we believe it has real potential to promote the region and that by working with partners we can create a truly inspiring and memorable experience.
