Latest plans for Barrow town centre regeneration includes new theatre and homes

Plans to transform Barrow town centre over the next decade have been unveiled, featuring a new theatre venue, homes, retail and commercial space, and improved leisure facilities.

The emerging vision for Heart of Barrow, being led by Westmorland and Furness Council, also includes public areas and parking provision.

Team Barrow has committed an initial £22.9m from the Barrow Transformation Fund to support phase one of the programme.

The plans are concepts rather than final designs and will continue to evolve as more detailed work takes place and as feedback from residents and businesses is considered.

Andrew Bennett, interim chief executive of Team Barrow, said: “Some of you may be excited by what you see. Some of you may have concerns. Some of you may have challenging questions. That’s absolutely okay. In fact, we welcome it.”

He added: “The most valuable thing you can do is tell us what you genuinely think. What do you like? What have we missed? What needs to be improved? What would make the biggest difference to you, your family, your business, or your community? Because ultimately, this is your town centre.”

The plans are being shared with the community through a public engagement programme, with an event taking place on Saturday at the Bridge in Portland Walk between 10am and 3pm.

Feedback gathered through the events and wider engagement will help inform the next stages as the plans continue to be developed and refined.

Revitalising the town centre is part of a wider 10-year plan for Barrow, designed to support the town’s growing population and economy.

The transformation will be delivered in phases over the coming decade.