The Board of the Northwest Regional Development Agency has approved funds for a £9m development of the derelict Lowther Castle and Gardens into a visitor destination designed to attract new visitors to the Eden Valley and extend the economic benefits of tourism across Cumbria.
The funding support is the first step in the transformation of the site and is subject to conditions which include the successful transfer of the site to the registered Charity by the Lowther Estate and the granting of planning consent by the Lake District National Park. Outline planning consent was granted on 3 February 2010.
Because of its size, historical significance and proximity to existing travel and tourism infrastructure, Lowther Castle and Gardens has the potential to become a major attraction. Straddling the Pennines and the Lake District National Park, Lowther is accessible from both the North and South by the M6 and is an ideal gateway to the Lake District.
The Trust plans to develop the scheme in phases during which visitors will be able to see the site being repaired. The NWDA (£7m) and ERDF (£2m) commitment is the first phase of an ambitious scheme.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and has five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life. For further information visit:
