NEW MUSEUM FOR WINDERMERE STEAMBOAT COLLECTION

The extraordinary collection of boats owned by the Windermere Steamboat Museum will have a striking new home and museum celebrating the Cumbrian lake and its vessels' history. Real Studios is working with architects Carmody Groarke to finalise the interpretative plan for a sympathetic and inspiring museum that will sit within the architects' RIBA competition-winning scheme. The museum interpretation will be woven throughout the scheme, alongside dry and wet-dock exhibits including Dolly, reputedly the oldest mechanically powered boat in the world, as well as what maybe the world's oldest yacht, and several smaller historic vessels, all of which have a long association with Windermere itself. Where once there was only a couple of wet-dock sheds, the Museum will have a range of buildings, old and new, offering museum, café, gallery and workshop facilities. The setting, right on the lakefront, will create a seductive and memorable space.