Shopping centre to get transport access boost

A County Durham shopping centre is set to benefit from £3.2 million of transport improvements designed to cut journey times, ease congestion and improve accessibility for visitors.

Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors has been allocated the funding by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority via Durham County Council for a new transport hub and active travel scheme.

The project forms part of Durham County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which has secured more than £17 million from the combined authority.

Improvements will include changes to the centre’s road layout, alongside road widening and resurfacing works, allowing buses to travel through the site rather than turning at one end.

New lanes will also be created to help ease congestion and improve bus journey times during peak periods.

The eastbound bus stop lay-by will be expanded to accommodate three buses, while two new stops to the south west of the site will reduce walking distances for passengers.

All bus stops will receive new shelters, seating, real-time passenger information displays and lighting upgrades, with CCTV installed across waiting areas and linked to Dalton Park’s 24/7 surveillance system.

Further works will include new road markings on the B1285 and pedestrian and cyclist crossing upgrades.

Councillor Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “We’re pleased to be able to deliver these improvements to Dalton Park, that we’re positive will make a huge difference to shoppers and visitors travelling to and from the site.

“Not only will it mean County Durham residents will be able to get to the park more easily, but it also means less cars on the road and reduced congestion for those driving to the site.

“We have been able to secure a significant amount of funding for bus service improvements across the county, and we’re pleased that residents will see positive change to public transport as a result.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “People across the North East tell me how frustrating it can be when bus journeys are slow or unreliable, especially if you’re travelling with children, carrying shopping or trying to get to work on time.

“That’s why we’re investing in improvements like this at Dalton Park, so buses don’t have to do a big loop to get in from Murton, making it easier to get to the brilliant places on people’s doorstep.

“And alongside changes to bus fares, which make bus travel more affordable, we’re working to make the whole system work better day to day.

“We want more people choosing the bus - not just because it’s more affordable, but because it’s reliable and fits around everyday life, helping people save money, supporting local businesses and bringing more visitors to places like Dalton Park.

“This is part of my ambition to build a world class transport network for the North East, and I’m determined to deliver it.”

Richard Kaye, centre manager at Dalton Park Outlet, added: “This significant investment will further enhance the customer experience at Dalton Park, making it easier and more convenient for visitors to travel to, and around, the destination.

“By improving bus facilities, road layouts, pedestrian crossings and cycle links, the project will strengthen connectivity while supporting more sustainable ways to travel.

“We look forward to seeing the changes come to life and are confident the improvements will be well received by our visitors.”

The project is expected to run from summer 2026 to spring 2027.

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