About the Canopy

  • This dynamic structure can be used as an open canopy or totally enclosed providing an all year round indoor or outdoor venue.
  • No trees will be removed and it can be erected for as little as one day or as long as people may wish.
  • The project has the potential to be the most significant aid to both community and commercial regeneration that the town has seen for decades.
  • Estimated cost will be in the region of £80,000.
Example build of the canopy
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History

The original concept for a covered community area on Tudor Square originated from the Romney Arts project, which unfortunately proved non-viable.

The Tudor Square Project group took over to continue developing the project. However, with the formation of the Dalton Traders and Business Asociation (D.T.and B.A.) who saw the necessity for this development to aid regeneration in the town, the two groups came together and as such it was incorporated within the proposed marketing strategy for the town formulated at the request of the Dalton Development Partnership.

This in turn tied in with the recommendation from the town’s strategic review which as a high priority recommended the enhancement of Tudor Square as a celebration area.

Throughout this time the project has had the benefit of pro-bono work undertaken by Keith Whitworth, BA Hons Dip Arch RIBA

The group are working closely with Chichester Canvas, manufacturers of high quality bespoke canopies.

The canopy envisaged for Tudor Square is designed to have the added benefit of being able to be erected in alternative venues including grassed areas.

The canopy will also have the facility to be either totally enclosed or open sided dependent on requirements. It is emphasised that no trees will be removed to facilitate its use on Tudor Square

Permission has been granted by Cumbria County Council for the use of Tudor Square for this project subject to the group fulfilling all Health & Safety and legal obligations.

Throughout the application process, the group is being mentored by Mark Hankin, Design Engineer, (Capita. ) Support is also being given by Angela Knowles, (Lake District Peninsulas Tourism Partnership) who has been successful in having the canopy proposal accepted within the Cumbria Tourism Area Action Plan. Angela is enthusiastic about this proposal and we are assured of her continuing support.

The proposal is at present at the stage of applying for planning permission, the first stage of which is the public consultancy.

Artist's Impression

Artist's impression

Where We Are Now

The project is now at the stage of public consultation prior to submission for planning consent.

The group has now officially commissioned the architect Keith Whitworth to work for us in a paid capacity ensuring that we have available professional advice to form the strongest case possible in relation to the planning application. He is at present conferring with the manufactures Chichester Canvas in drawing up the relevant plans.

The group is in the process of contacting all the local schools, and organisations with a view to building a sense of ownership by the community at large. It has been observed the through interviewing local people that the greatest concern is that of possible vandalism. It is the group’s opinion that a community involves everyone, across all ages, and it is their intention to work closely with the various providers to encourage an overall sense of ownership.

We are especially keen to here from young people to ascertain what events they would like to see promoted and in so doing endeavour to establish a respect for the project.

The group has undertaken consultation with the residents of Tudor Sq. inviting them to a presentation at the Crown Court Café. Of those who took up the invitation, all where in agreement with the project with the only concern being for security relating to possible vandalism.

At present, “comment sheets” are being distributed amongst various businesses within the town requesting public opinion, the response so far appears to be extremely positive with only one negative comment. It is hoped that a large number of people will take up the opportunity to offer their opinion as it is the only way we are able to address any possible concerns, importantly, positive opinions will aid the planning application.

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