Barrow AFC needs £400k of ground improvements

BARROW AFC needs nearly to spend nearly £400,000 on basic improvements to its ground, according to a survey carried out by Liverpool-based chartered surveyor Actua.

It has conducted a pre-acquisition survey ahead of the club’s acquisition by US-based businessman Paul Casson.

Earlier this month his plans were accepted by 90% of Barrow AFC’s members, bringing to an end the club’s membership ownership structure that has been in place for 15 years.
 
Mr Casson has acquired the Conference North club’s assets for £600,000 and plans to invest up to £1.8m in the first two years, to bring in new players and improve the Holker Street stadium.

Actua said he will need to spend £100,000 on a new floodlight structure and a further £280,000 on a number of other improvements to bring the ground in line with disabled access, fire precautions, legionella and asbestos legislation.

MMA Consulting Engineers and HL Structural Engineers were employed by Actua on a sub-consultancy basis to carry out an assessment of the mechanical and electrical installations and any structural issues.

Actua director David Sharp said: “It’s great to be working on high profile projects like the Barrow FC acquisition.  Securing this contract has allowed us to establish a foot-hold in a whole new market and raise our profile as one of the leading surveying firms in the North West.”