Overview

This consultation presents the initial design proposals for the Kendal Riverside Active Travel Improvements, which forms part of the wider Heart of Kendal Programme. The project is supported by funding from the Heart of Kendal Local Regeneration Fund (formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund), Active Travel Fund 5, and the Government’s Local Transport Grant.

The proposals aim to improve walking and cycling connections along part of Kendal’s riverside, creating safer, more accessible and more attractive routes for everyday journeys and leisure use. These improvements contribute to broader efforts to support active travel, provide better access to the town centre, and enhance public spaces across Kendal.

The scheme also helps deliver the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which sets out a long-term vision for a connected network of safe, convenient, and inclusive walking and cycling routes across the town.

We want your feedback to help shape the future of this scheme. By doing this consultation, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the proposals and their potential impact. Your informed and constructive comments will be used to guide the next stages of design and delivery.

Supporting materials such as maps, diagrams, and visualisations are included throughout to help illustrate the proposals.

The Heart of Kendal Programme

The Heart of Kendal Programme is set to transform the town centre, making it more vibrant, welcoming, and safer for walking and cycling. Supported by targeted investment from 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 more connected Kendal.

The programme includes four exciting projects:

• Completion of the Westmorland Campus to finalise works and provide new education space within the third campus for Kendal College;
• Regenerating and reimagining the historic Indoor Market Hall to support local traders and enhance the visitor experience;
• Renewing Market Place and Kent Street to improve public spaces and create a more attractive town centre;
• Enhancing connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists along the riverside to make getting around easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

This consultation focuses specifically on the walking and cycling improvements along the riverside. Consultations on the other projects will take place in due course, giving the community further opportunities to get involved and help shape Kendal’s future.

Kendal Riverside Active Travel Improvements

We’re inviting your views on proposed improvements to the Kendal Riverside active travel route, which looks to strengthen connections along the riverside and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle through the town.  

In addition to the Heart of Kendal Programme, this route forms part of a wider initiative to develop a network of active travel connections across the area. This network is identified in the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which sets out a long-term vision to improve safety, accessibility, and a direct path for those travelling actively linking homes, schools, workplaces, and key destinations across Kendal.

Project Objectives

• Create a safer, more accessible route for walking, wheeling and cycling
• Improve connections to the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods
• Enhance the look and feel of the riverside area, using high quality materials and landscaping
• Reduce conflict between different users by providing dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists
• Support sustainable travel choices to help reduce local traffic congestion.

Our proposals are shaped by feedback from previous engagement on the LCWIP and align with national and local goals to encourage walking and cycling, reduce reliance on car travel, and create healthier, more connected communities.