New Pocket Park to Be Developed in Dalton Town Centre
A new £570,000 pocket park is set to be created in Dalton town centre, turning a vacant site into a green community space.
The park will be built on the former Brocklebanks site. It is expected to provide an outdoor area for everyday use, socialising and community events.
Funding has been agreed in principle through the Borderlands Place Programme. The money will cover both the purchase of the land and the creation of the park.
The scheme is still subject to a formal grant funding agreement and other final approvals.
What Will the Pocket Park Include?
Detailed designs have not yet been completed. However, the site is expected to become a flexible green space that can be used by residents, visitors and community groups.
Initial plans are being prepared by Layer Studio Architects. Local people will have several chances to help shape the final design.
The need for more green and social space was raised during work on the Dalton Place Plan. Community groups, schools and local organisations took part in workshops, surveys and public events.
Residents also highlighted the loss of previous play facilities and the need for a flexible town-centre events space.
When Will Work Begin?
Construction is currently expected to begin in autumn 2027.
If work goes to plan, the new park should be completed in early 2028. The timetable may change depending on the design process, funding agreement, site conditions and other approvals.
The proposed schedule is:
| Project stage | Expected date |
|---|---|
| Initial public consultation | August 2026 |
| Detailed design and further engagement | To follow |
| Construction begins | Autumn 2027 |
| Park completed | Early 2028 |
Public Consultation Events Announced
Two public engagement sessions will take place in Dalton on Tuesday, August 18.
Residents can speak to the project team at:
- Outside Greggs from 12.30pm until 2.15pm.
- Dalton Leisure Centre from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.
An online survey is also available for anyone unable to attend. It will remain open until Friday, August 21.
Who Will Own and Maintain the Park?
Dalton Town Council has agreed in principle to purchase the land on a freehold basis.
The town council would then take responsibility for owning and maintaining the park over the long term. This remains subject to formal council decisions.
Westmorland and Furness Council, Dalton Town Council and the Dalton Town Team have worked together to bring the proposal forward.
Dalton mayor Councillor Bruce Solari said the project reflected priorities identified by the local community. He said it would transform a vacant site into a useful green space for residents, visitors and events.
Councillor Tony Callister, chairman of the Dalton Town Team, said the park could become a focal point for the town. He added that it could support residents, businesses, visitors and the wider town-centre economy.
Part of Wider Dalton Improvements
The pocket park is one part of the Dalton High Street Enhancements project.
A separate shopfront improvement scheme is expected to follow later in 2026. Both schemes form part of the wider Dalton Place Plan and Town Investment Plan.
The investment plan will guide how £3 million of Borderlands funding is used across Dalton.
The Borderlands programme is also supporting projects in Egremont, Longtown, Penrith, Ulverston and Wigton.
More information and the online consultation are available through Westmorland and Furness Council.
