Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre Project Commences in Barrow

Thomas Armstrong Construction is delighted to announce the official commencement of work on the highly anticipated Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre. Construction is set to begin on July 7th, 2025, with the intention of opening this transformative facility in March 2026.

This significant project represents a pivotal development for the local community, designed to deliver a catalyst for increased engagement of the local population and visitors alike with the beautiful outdoor spaces at Earnse Bay. The vision for this inclusive outdoor hub has been shaped by local residents, partners, and school children over several years through many conversations and activities, ensuring it truly meets the community's needs.

The site, extending to 3.37 hectares, will transform this area into a vibrant nature park. The core aim is the provision of a welcoming community café with a shop corner, a versatile camping barn, and a small serviced campsite area ideal for youth groups and families. Complementing these, the centre will feature essential supporting infrastructure, dedicated community growing spaces, and dynamic play areas. All these elements will be connected by a series of pathways winding through newly planted grounds featuring trees, shrubs, and plants native to the area, enhancing biodiversity and local ecology.

Communities from Barrow and beyond will be welcomed to this site, which will serve as a hub that supports people to connect, create, learn, and play. This initiative is set to leverage long-term benefits for health and wellbeing, skill development, and a love of nature, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

This project is generously supported by Brilliant Barrow Town Deal funding. Further crucial funding to develop 'The Earnse Project' has been awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to key partners including Natural England, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and Art Gene.

The Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre will act as a central base for many activities delivered through 'The Earnse Project' partnership. This will provide a host of opportunities for the local community to get involved, including the development of an education programme delivered from a future beach school, a wide range of volunteering opportunities, engagement with the arts, a wellbeing programme, and the creation of more biodiverse green spaces with communities across Barrow.

A second phase of work at the hub is planned for 2026, led by Natural England. This phase will further enhance the site by developing a base for the North Walney National Nature Reserve, which will include a workshop, office, and facilities for staff and volunteers, as well as a dedicated beach school classroom and associated changing facilities.

Thomas Armstrong Construction is proud to be at the forefront of this project, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our website and social media channels as we work to bring this truly impactful vision to life.