Ulverston and Sunderland based architectural and engineering practice Building Design Northern (BDN) has exchanged contracts on the former constabulary buildings and submitted a planning application with the intention of creating a brand-new multi use destination for Ulverston.

Computer generated images of the transformed space show how the firm will transform the damaged, disused buildings into a mixed-use venue of commercial space, offices, boutique serviced accommodation and new homes, with a tasteful and sympathetic programme of restoration.

The former Police Station will house commercial office space, with jail cells reimagined as boutique accommodation. The superintendent’s quarters – the west wing – which was demolished prior to BDN’s acquisition of the site, will house further serviced accommodation, each apartment with its own en-suite and kitchenette space.

The Courthouse will incorporate a new restaurant pavilion, with a surrounding courtyard of former garages converted into independent commercial space that is expected to attract a range of retail businesses.

Three one and two-bedroom dwellings are also detailed in plans, replacing former MOT garages, and they will be centred around a communal amenity space with a large central green space, designed to foster a sense of community among residents.

The multi-million project to restore the buildings has been designed and will be led by BDN. The firm is also behind the £2m regeneration of a former railway stables in the shadow of Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, which is being converted in a similar way, into a mixed-use food, drink and leisure venue.

If the plans are approved, BDN will relocate its Ulverston office to the Police Station, with a communal kitchen, meeting room and desk space proposed for the expanding practice. The buildings fell out of use since it was vacated by the police in 2015, and despite being privately sold, has remained unoccupied since.

Director of architecture and head of BDN’s Ulverston office, Joe Warner, said, “As a local business, we are proud to be playing a part in the transformation of a historic Ulverston landmark and investing back into the area we care deeply about.

“Our investment in the former Police Station demonstrates our commitment to deliver fantastic developments which will bring more people into the area, as our business establishes a larger base in Ulverston.

“We can’t wait to share more, if our plans to transform the buildings are granted approval.”

BDN, an award-winning architectural, civil and structural engineering firm, established an Ulverston office in 2018 and has recently embarked on ambitious North West growth plans, appointing two new local employees.

The firm completed a tasteful regeneration of the former Grade II Listed Simpson Street School in Sunderland in 2021, transforming it into their Northeast HQ and eight luxury apartments which are operating successfully as an aparthotel – a success they wish to replicate in Ulverston.

BDN’s visionary plans for the development look to provide a unique offering of high-quality accommodation and visitor experiences to Ulverston, at a site that has been neglected since its closure. Historic buildings will be restored with modern proposals, while being respectful to their historic context, through preserving original features of the former constabulary buildings.

The plans should go before Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning committee in summer 2023, and if planning permission is granted, work will start on the redevelopment of the site.

Businesses interested in enquiring about the development should contact BDN, at hello@bdnltd.com or by calling 0191 535 6189.