• Client: Cumberland Council
• Contractor: Thomas Armstrong
• Location: Green Market / Duke Street, Whitehaven
• Material: Lazonby Sandstone
• Value: £450,000

Case Study: Transforming Whitehaven’s Green Market and Duke Street with Red Lazonby Sandstone

Project Overview
Cumberland Council has recently completed a major public realm improvement initiative in Whitehaven, delivering a transformative £450,000 upgrade to Green Market and Duke Street. This project, made possible through joint contributions from Sellafield Ltd, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the council itself, reflects a strong commitment to revitalising key civic areas while preserving the town’s historic character.

Scope and Objectives
Led by local contractor Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd and designed by Align Property Partners, the project aimed to create a more inviting, functional, and culturally enriched environment for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Enhancements include the installation of new seating, planting schemes, waste bins, and historical interpretation boards, all carefully integrated into the urban fabric.

A standout element of the improvement works is the sensitive use of red Cumbrian sandstone—specifically Lazonby sandstone—as the primary paving material.

Supplying Red Sandstone Paving for a Historic Setting
We were proud to supply Lazonby sandstone paving, a durable and visually distinctive red sandstone quarried locally in Cumbria. This high-quality stone was used extensively throughout the project, providing a coherent and aesthetically pleasing surface that complements the historic architecture of Whitehaven.

Chosen for its natural resilience and deep reddish tones, red sandstone paving delivers both visual warmth and practical longevity—key attributes for a busy public realm. Lazonby sandstone’s coarse grain and slip-resistant properties make it ideal for external use, particularly in high-traffic pedestrian zones like Green Market and Duke Street.

Celebrating Local Heritage Through Natural Stone
In addition to its practical benefits, Lazonby sandstone carries cultural significance, reflecting the geological identity of the region. The use of red Cumbrian sandstone helps maintain the town’s historical integrity, supporting the council’s vision of balancing modern upgrades with the preservation of Whitehaven’s rich heritage.

This vision is further supported by the inclusion of commemorative stones and interpretation boards developed by the Whitehaven Heritage Action Group. These features celebrate the area’s deep-rooted history and ensure that the upgraded spaces do more than serve foot traffic—they tell stories.

Conclusion

The Whitehaven public realm improvement project is a successful example of how high-quality local materials like Lazonby sandstone can elevate urban environments. By incorporating red sandstone paving, the project enhances both the function and beauty of the town centre while staying true to its historic identity.

This case stands as a testament to Cumberland Council’s commitment to thoughtful, heritage-led regeneration—one where infrastructure improvements go hand-in-hand with cultural celebration.