County Durham residents will soon find it easier than ever to visit a popular shopping centre, thanks to significant funding that will bring a range of transport improvements.
A total of £3.2 million has been allocated to Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority via Durham County Council, towards the delivery of the Dalton Park Transport Hub and Active Travel scheme.
The funding forms part of the local authority’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which has seen it secure more than £17m from North East MSA.
The project, delivered by Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, will introduce a series of improvements to reduce journey times from nearby towns and villages, ease congestion and create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for all visitors.
The popular shopping centre will change its road layout and carry out some road widening and resurfacing works. The new layout will mean buses will be able to travel through the site instead of turning at one end as they currently do.
New road lanes will also be created, which aim to ease congestion and improve bus journey times during peak hours.
The East bound bus stop lay-by will increase in size so it can accommodate three buses, while two new stops to the south west will reduce travel distances for passengers, improving accessibility.
All bus stops will benefit from new shelters, seating, real time passenger information displays, and lighting improvements. Meanwhile, to improve safety, CCTV systems will be installed to provide coverage of all bus stop waiting areas, which will be linked with Dalton Park’s 24/7 surveillance system.
Further improvements will see changes to road markings on the B1285, and various pedestrian and cyclist crossing upgrades.
Cllr 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, said: “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, said: “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 works are planned to take place between summer 2026 and spring 2027.
