Former Dalton Police Station to Become Construction Training Centre
A former police station in Dalton-in-Furness is set to be turned into a construction training centre.
BTP Cumbria has bought Silvertop, the old police station near Dalton railway station, and plans to convert the building into a new training base.
The company says the centre will help tackle skills shortages in the construction industry. With demand expected to grow as major projects continue in Barrow and across the wider Furness area.
The building still needs work before it can open fully, but BTP Cumbria says renovation work has already begun.
Why the Building Has Been Bought
BTP Cumbria said it had been looking at different sites before buying the former police station.
The company hopes the Dalton site will allow it to expand into the Barrow-in-Furness area and work more closely with local businesses.
It said the growth of nuclear submarine construction in Barrow means the area will need more housing, infrastructure and skilled workers.
The new training centre is intended to support that demand by helping more people gain construction-related qualifications and workplace skills.
What Training Could Be Offered
BTP Cumbria has said the Dalton site could allow it to expand its range of courses in the Barrow-in-Furness area.
Courses mentioned by the company include Streetworks, manual handling and asbestos awareness.
These are the kinds of courses used by people working in construction, highways, maintenance, utilities and site-based roles.
The centre could also support apprentices, workers looking to upskill and businesses that need staff with recognised safety and construction training.
Renovation Work Under Way
The former police station is not yet where BTP Cumbria wants it to be, but the company says progress is being made.
Recent updates from BTP Cumbria said the outside of the building has already improved and is starting to look like a proper centre.
The next phase is expected to focus on the inside of the building, with work needed to turn it into a quality training space for delegates.
The company has described the project as an important first step towards creating a stronger training offer in the area.
Supporting Local Skills
Construction skills are expected to become increasingly important in Furness.
Barrow is already seeing pressure linked to major defence, housing and infrastructure demand. Local firms may also need more trained workers as projects linked to the area’s growth move forward.
A local training centre in Dalton could make it easier for people to access courses without travelling further afield.
It could also help smaller firms by giving them a nearby option for staff training and certification.
Next Steps for the Project
BTP Cumbria has said the Dalton site is still some way off being fully ready.
Further renovation work will be needed before the centre can open and provide courses from the building.
Once complete, the new training centre is expected to strengthen construction skills provision in the Furness area and support the needs of local employers.
