A decision by the Lake District National Park Authority to offer a lease to sustain the future of the Brockhole visitor centre has been criticised by parish councillors.
Lakes Parish Council said it was not formally consulted about the future of the venue which the national park says had to change because of fears it could be unsustainable and risk its ability to deliver other services across the national park.
But parish councillors are angry at what they say is a lack of transparency shown by national park management which they claim is ‘symptomatic of the broader issues that led the Council to pass a vote of no confidence in the LDNPA in 2024.”
In a statement to Business Crack the parish council said: “As representatives of the local community, we believe that significant changes to key sites such as Brockhole should be subject to meaningful engagement with local councils and stakeholders.
“One critical consideration is the impact of a new leaseholder on existing planning and infrastructure arrangements.
“Brockhole was referenced as part of the transport plan for the Elterwater Zip World application, and a change in its operation could disrupt that plan, potentially increasing traffic pressures across the Lakes Parish area, particularly in Langdale.
“Given the sensitivity of traffic management in the region, it is vital that any lease decision takes this into account.”
Gavin Capstick, chief executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, told Business Crack: “The decision to lease Brockhole on Windermere is not one we’ve taken lightly and is the result of a long, thorough consideration of a wide range of alternatives.
“Unfortunately, continuing to operate Brockhole under the current model would be unsustainable and risk our ability to deliver other services across the national park.
“We have been directly managing Brockhole as a year-round cultural attraction and visitor centre for many years, however it is no longer feasible to operate within the constraints of the authority.
“We remain committed to providing long-term public access to the grounds, lakeshore and heritage, and are confident a new operator will continue to provide a fantastic Lake District experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brockhole every year.
“It is important that we explore options in a way that is both commercial but also sensitive to those staff who have been affected.
“Our members have considered a range of proposals in relation to Brockhole, over a long period of time, and decisions were taken through resources and full authority committee meetings, both of which include parish member representatives.”
Estate company Savills marketed Brockhole to potential new operators throughout March with a deadline for submissions of the end of last week.
“Any potential new operator must demonstrate a suitable and responsible use of the site in their proposal, reflecting the Authority’s purpose to support public access, understanding and enjoyment of the national park,” Mr Capstick said. “We expect this process to take at least a further six months and will again be thoroughly considered by members.
“I always welcome the views and input from Lake District communities on topics which affect the national park. I also encourage parish councils to contact us directly or raise issues with their authority parish member.”
He added: “Changes to ownership or lease arrangements do not alter the requirement for the operator of Elterwater Quarry to comply with the conditions of their planning permission.”
But members of the Lakes Parish Council are anxious that any changes to Brockhole’s operations are discussed more widely and that opportunities to develop the site as a year-round venue are not overlooked.
“Brockhole’s unique setting offers immense potential beyond its current use,” the council said. “Some residents and councillors believe it could be transformed into a cultural hub, providing much-needed arts, performance, and educational opportunities for the Central Lakes.
“With indoor and outdoor spaces, existing catering facilities, and a history of school and community engagement, it could serve as a year-round attraction, filling a gap in cultural provision and offering a weatherproof alternative for families.”
“Lakes Parish Council urges greater transparency and consultation on this issue.
“Decisions of this scale should not be rushed or kept from local communities until the last moment. We hope that the LDNPA will engage meaningfully with stakeholders before making any irreversible decisions.”
