Ulverston Police Station transformation approved

Former jail cells are all set to become boutique hotel rooms, while elsewhere on the site Building Design Northern will build offices, restaurants, shops, and residences.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s South Lakeland planning committee voted in favour of architecture and engineering firm BDN’s application to breathe new life into the long-vacant former Ulverston Police Station and courthouse buildings off Neville Street.

The police force left the station eight years ago. When BDN acquired the site, the west wing of the station and several other buildings had been demolished without permission. In the wake of these razed buildings, BDN will construct a series of flats and one- and two-bedroom homes.

The old courthouse will receive an extension and house restaurants and shops.

BDN itself will take over the main police station building, setting it up as its North West headquarters. The station will have other offices too, as well as meeting rooms and a communal kitchen.

Jail cells will be turned into boutique hotel rooms under BDN’s plans. Credit: BDN

Joe Warner, director of architecture and head of BDN’s Ulverston office, said the group had worked closely with the council’s team to craft the design for the police station site.

“As a team of local residents, we are proud to be pioneering a development which will transform a key Ulverston landmark and are excited to get started to transform the historic site into a destination for the local community to enjoy,” he said.

BDN hopes to start work on the site next year.

Kate Bellwood Associates is the planning consultant for the project. The team also includes ITransport, Hann Tucker Associates, Groundsure, All About Trees, and McGinn Ecology and Arb Services.

You can learn more about the project by searching application reference number SL/2023/0400 on Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning portal.