Six new Time Out Benches have now been installed across Penrith Business Parks, creating welcoming spaces where people can step away from their desks, take a break and enjoy time outdoors.
The project grew out of early discussions within the Penrith Industrial BID about how to encourage people working on the business parks to move more during the day and make better use of the outdoor spaces around them. Informal walking routes were being explored as a simple way to support wellbeing, fresh air and time away from screens.
At the same time, conversations with Metcalfe Plant Hire focused on how the business could become involved in a social value project that genuinely reflected what mattered to them as a company and to their workforce.
With a largely male workforce, Metcalfe were keen to support something meaningful around wellbeing and mental health. The idea of Time Out Benches — combined with the growing local focus on men’s mental health and the opening of Andy’s Man Club in Penrith — felt like a natural fit. In male-dominated industries in particular, people don’t always stop, talk or take time out, even when work pressures build up.
From those conversations, the two ideas came together: encouraging walking and movement across the business parks, and creating visible, accessible spaces for rest, reflection and connection.
A shared project for the whole business park community
While Metcalfe played a key role in shaping the idea, the BID recognised that the concept could benefit everyone working across the business parks, as well as visitors, passers-by and dog walkers.
The benches were installed by the Metcalfe team, who have also sponsored one of the six benches. Additional benches have been sponsored by Frilu, who also helped source the benches, Penrith Industrial BID, Genesis Homes, Atkinson Homes and Penrith Body Repairs.
One of the BID-sponsored benches is located at The Office on Mardale Road, with thanks to The Office for granting permission for the bench to be located on their land.
Planting, biodiversity and creating places people want to use
Thanks to a grant from Westmorland and Furness Council, planting has now begun around each bench to help turn them into genuinely pleasant places to stop and spend time. The Council has also supported the project by granting permission for benches to be located on its land, alongside the support of Penrith Town Council, providing reassurance around the long-term stewardship of the benches.
Each bench has been designed around a nature-inspired theme, including berries, foraging plants, butterflies, pollinator-friendly scented planting and bee habitats. These themes aim to support biodiversity while also adding interest and seasonal colour.
The BID has worked closely with Eden Rivers Trust, who have advised on planting, donated native trees and supported planting around the benches. Specialist planting design support has also been provided by Jill , a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Award winner, who volunteered her time and expertise to help shape the planting plans and work alongside the BID team.
What’s next?
In time, each bench will also feature signage explaining the planting themes, along with QR codes linking to further information, recipes and ideas connected to the plants in each area.
The Time Out Benches project forms part of the Industrial BID’s wider aim to make Penrith Business Parks a more attractive place to work, shop and do business. By creating dedicated spaces for rest, conversation and reflection, the BID hopes to offer something not commonly found on industrial estates — and to enhance the experience for everyone who works in, visits or passes through the area.