MP welcomes £1.42M investment in Ambleside youth hostel

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that YHA (Youth Hostel Association) are investing £1.42 million in the hostel in Ambleside at Waterhead.

YHA refurbishment will bring the Youth Hostel offering of en suite accommodation, private family rooms, licensed restaurant and education facilities.

Unusually for many accommodation providers, the numbers of beds at YHA Ambleside are being reduced from 258 to 240 as part of its refurbishment. The reduction in beds will enable the Youth Hostel to create more washrooms and a number of premium en suite bedrooms with a lake view. Work will be completed at YHA Ambleside in April when it will re-open to the public with 64 rooms.

As well as total redecoration and new furniture throughout, there will be a new reception area and more public facilities, including an education and conference space with the latest audio visual equipment. An improved licensed cafe bar which will be open to guest and non-residents will also feature.

YHA Ambleside is one of six Youth Hostels taking a share of YHA's £10 million capital investment fund in 2012/13. The other hostels include YHA York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Malham in North Yorkshire, and Canterbury in Kent- as well as creating a new Youth Hostel in the South Downs.

Tim said: "This is very welcome news and a great confidence boost for the local tourism trade and the local economy. The investment in the YHA will make a massive difference and offer tourists even better local facilities."