Groundwork begins for the new Community Room

We’ve got a really exciting update to share - groundworks have now started in preparation for the new community building at Ford Park.

This project will create a light, spacious, environmentally-friendly community room, along with toilets and basic catering facilities. It’s something we’ve been planning for a long time, and it will make a real difference by helping to meet the growing demand for community spaces in Ulverston.

A few important things to know while work is underway

For everyones safety, the section of the park where work is taking place (including part of the car park) is now completely fenced off.

Please help us keep things safe and running smoothly:

·       Please dont block the site entrance

·       Be aware there may be occasional heavy vehicle movements within the park

Temporary footpath diversion (including ParkRun)

If you use the footpath on the right-hand side of the park (the dog side), youll notice a small change. The path has been temporarily re-routed at the top end around the construction site.

Parts of the temporary route will be surfaced with wood chips, and this short diversion will also apply to ParkRun for the duration of the building works.

The team behind the project

We're really pleased to be working with a brilliant mix of local and North West businesses on this build:

·       Project Manager: Jonathan Clarke-Tomlinson, JCT Building Services (NW) (Manchester-based, family-run)

·       Lead Designer: Daniel Kelso, Architecture Unknown (award-winning Manchester practice with a strong community focus)

·       Groundworks: HBP (Barrow-based, family-led civil engineering business)

·       Main structure materials: Digital Woodoo (Ulverston-based community interest company specialising in digital fabrication)

Timescales and funding

The main construction project is forecast to complete by Christmas 2026  although, like any build, that does depend on a few things (including key resource availability and the weather).

This project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the GSK Ulverston Legacy Fund, alongside additional grants from other organisations supporting specific parts of the construction and fitting out.

Thanks so much for your patience while were a bit more building site than peaceful park in this corner for a while. Well keep sharing updates as things move along  we cant wait to see it taking shape.