A vacant site in Dalton town centre where Brocklebanks used to stand is set to become a new pocket park after £570,000 of funding was agreed in principle for the land purchase and construction.
The proposed green space is intended for everyday use, community events and other activities, forming part of the Dalton High Street Enhancements project. A separate shop-front improvement scheme is expected to follow later in 2026.
What is planned for the Dalton site?
Westmorland and Furness Council and Dalton Town Council have led the project, which is also backed by the Dalton Town Team. Dalton Town Council has agreed in principle to take long-term ownership and responsibility for maintaining the park, although formal resolutions are still required.
The Borderlands Board has agreed to the project in principle, subject to a grant funding agreement being signed. The land is intended to be purchased by the town council on a freehold basis.
The park is one part of the wider Dalton Place Plan and Borderlands Town Investment Plan. The plans were developed with input from local businesses, residents and community representatives, and are intended to improve public space and create a flexible venue for events in the town centre.
Community groups, schools and third-sector organisations contributed through workshops, surveys and drop-in events. The engagement highlighted the loss of previous play facilities and a desire for more green and social space in the centre of Dalton.
Public engagement and construction timetable
Layer Studio Architects has been appointed to prepare initial concept designs. The source announcement says the architects will hold in-person public engagement on Tuesday 18 September at two locations: outside Greggs from 12.30pm to 2.15pm, and at Dalton Leisure Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
People unable to attend in person can respond through an online survey, which the announcement says is open until 21 August at the Westmorland and Furness Council consultation website.
Further public engagement is planned as the designs develop. Detailed design work will follow, with construction scheduled to start in autumn 2027 and finish in early 2028.
How the project fits into Borderlands funding
The Dalton scheme is the first of the town’s projects to receive approval under the programme. The Town Investment Plan is guiding the allocation of £3 million in Borderlands Place Programme funding.
The wider Borderlands Place Programme supports renewal and development in 22 towns across the region. The partnership is supporting five other Cumbrian towns alongside Dalton: Egremont, Longtown, Penrith, Ulverston and Wigton.
The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal involves Cumberland, Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland, the Scottish Borders, and Westmorland and Furness. Signed in March 2021, it is intended to bring up to £452 million of investment to the South of Scotland and North of England over 10 to 15 years, with priorities including improved places, infrastructure, green growth, innovation, business and skills.
For Dalton, the immediate focus is the transformation of the town-centre site into a public space for residents, visitors, businesses and community groups.
