Four decades of building Cumbria.
Founded by Steven Atkinson as a one-man business in 1982, Atkinson Building Contractors has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted and award-winning construction company. Today, we are recognised for delivering high-quality residential, commercial and domestic projects across Cumbria, while staying true to the values the business was built on — integrity, quality and trust.
- 1982
Steve Atkinson Building Contractor
At 21, Steven Atkinson became self-employed after training as a bricklayer at Carlisle College and working with Lowther Construction.
- 1983
The first home
Steven built his first home at Eamont Bridge, setting the standard for personal service and workmanship.
- 1988
New office at Red Rocks
Steve completed a barn conversion at Milestone House, Penrith, known as Red Rocks. This became his new home and office.
- 1989
Atkinson Homes incorporated
Atkinson Homes Ltd was incorporated as the business grew from individual builds into larger residential and conversion projects.
- 1993
Castlegate becomes HQ
The team moved from Milestone House to Castlegate, Penrith, which became the company’s main base as more apprentices joined the business.
- 1994
Expanding across Penrith
Projects including the conversion of PFK’s former auction mart offices and a new 10-home development at Beacon Close, Penrith, demonstrated the company’s growing role in housing and conversion projects in the area.
- 1999
Carleton Hall Walk
Carleton Hall Walk became the company’s first new-build development for Impact Housing and Eden Housing Association, delivering 60 units.
- 2001
Affordable housing expands
Steve’s relationships with local housing associations continued to grow, with developments delivered for Eden Housing Association and Impact Housing in Penrith. The company’s first scheme in Carlisle was also completed in partnership with Two Castles Housing Association.
- 2003
A new office base
A new office at Brancana Court, Gilwilly Industrial Estate, gave the growing business the base it needed for the next stage of delivery and continues to serve as Atkinsons’ head office.
- 2005
Flood recovery works
In January 2005, Cumbria was hit by severe flooding. Steve and the team carried out extensive repair and reinstatement works across the community, including at a caravan park in Bolton and a site on Corporation Road, Carlisle.
- 2007
25 years in the trade
The company reached the 25-year milestone and continued to deliver noteworthy projects throughout the region. Key projects included the £3m refurbishment of Penrith’s Co-op, Castle Foundry luxury apartments and penthouse suites, and 30 social housing units at York Street, Penrith.
- 2011
ABC incorporated
Atkinson Building Contractors Ltd was incorporated, with education, community and commercial projects broadening the company’s portfolio.
- 2013
Award-winning schemes
Further affordable homes were delivered across the county, with the Silver Street development at Crosby Ravensworth receiving an LABC award for Best Large Housing Development.
- 2017
Calvert Way, Keswick
Construction of 55 properties on the outskirts of Keswick brought together affordable homes for local partners with private homes delivered through Atkinson Homes.
- 2019
Mulberry Gardens
Mulberry Gardens at Beacon Edge, Penrith continued the Atkinson Homes portfolio, delivering contemporary executive homes with locally sourced sandstone and natural slate.
- 2021
Major housing handovers
Newton House, Penrith and Dalston Road, Carlisle delivered extra care and affordable homes at significant scale in the region.
- 2022
40 years of Atkinsons
The company marked 40 years in business, celebrating four decades of local relationships, long-serving staff and construction projects across Cumbria.
- 2024
42 years and a new chapter
Atkinsons celebrated 42 years in business and embarked on an exciting new chapter, with Steve’s son Bradley becoming Director.
- 2025
Our largest scheme completed
Harbour Place, Workington was completed in partnership with The Riverside Group, delivering 107 affordable and extra-care homes and becoming our biggest development to date.
