Community Conversations to help shape Barrow town centre transformation

Residents in Barrow are being encouraged to participate in Community Conversations about the future of their town centre. The engagement forms the first phase of the Barrow Rising Heart of Barrow regeneration programme.

David Haughian, Assistant Director of Community Infrastructure at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "At the heart of these conversations is a simple but powerful ambition: Barrow will be a thriving, prosperous town where people can flourish and grow.

"We know that to achieve this, we need to address some of the challenges that hold the town back, particularly in the town centre and in the quality of our housing.

"It will take some time to fully realise these ambitions. The conversations that we are launching now, and that will be running through December and January, are only a first phase. They are an opportunity for people to share their views on what they want from the town centre."

What’s being asked of Barrow residents?

Residents are being asked to give their thoughts on three key questions:

What do you enjoy most about the town centre?

What changes would make you come into town more?

Real change in the town centre will take time. In the meantime, what should we focus on to make it busy and vibrant right now?

The conversations tie in with plans for short-term projects and long-term redevelopment as part of the wider £200m Barrow Transformation Fund.

Market Hall and Forum closure

The launch of these discussions follows the decision to pause previously announced works on the Market Hall and the Forum. Instead, the council wants to consider a more ambitious plan for the once-in-a-generation investment.

Westmorland and Furness Council has not yet made final decisions regarding the future of the Market Hall and Forum buildings. Feedback from the conversations will shape immediate plans for cultural, entertainment, and community activities, as well as assist in forming long-term strategies for renovating the town centre.

The second phase of the programme will include further consultations with the community to discuss these options.

A vision for Barrow’s future

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Organisational Culture and Communications, said this initiative aims to provide Barrow’s residents with a vibrant, modern town centre that honours Barrow’s heritage:

"This is a once in a generation chance to not only breathe new life into the town centre, but to give Barrovians something they can be proud of – now and in the future.

"This programme has the potential to bring new retail, cultural, and commercial spaces, alongside new modern homes and accommodation. We can be ambitious. Together, these changes will help create a town centre that reflects Barrow’s proud heritage while offering a vibrant and contemporary place to live, work, and visit."

Councillor Chaffey urged residents to take part in the conversations, stating that hearing the community’s perspective was vital to the shaping of the town’s future. She added that there will be drop-ins, visits to schools and care homes, and festive activities aimed at gathering input from a wide range of people across Barrow.