KENDAL VISION - INSPIRATION FOR CHANGE IN KENDAL

THE CHALLENGES • The station is literally hidden from the town with no legible link to or view of the town centre. • The station is underused with most people choosing to use Oxenholme on the main line as their train departure and destination point. This is exacerbated as there are few direct trains with most journeys requiring a change at Oxenholme to get to Kendal. • The line at Kendal is a single line with limited capacity, generally running just one train per hour in each direction. • The main line at Oxenholme is electrified. The branch line to Kendal and Windermere is not. • The surrounding area is mainly occupied by low-grade and unattractive warehouses, small-scale businesses, the bus depot and garages. THE POSSIBILITIES • The town must make clear the importance of the railway station and the future increased usage, as a basis for lobbying for increased numbers and sizes of trains, and for the branch lines electrification. • The remodelling of the traffic system would create a legible and safe route from the station to Wildman Street. • The remodelling of Wildman Street and Stramongate would reinvigorate this high street - from the station to the Market Place - as a retail and experiential destination. • To stimulate change the town must undertake strategic planning, land assembly and the promotion of the wider area for flats, student accommodation, mixed-use and high-end commercial buildings. OPPORTUNITY AREAS THE RAILWAY STATION & SURROUNDING AREA KENDAL VISION 2020 | THE POSSIBILITIES 78