PEOPLE across the borough are being urged to take part in a second phase of consultation to help shape ambitious proposals to help regenerate Barrow’s town centre.
Barrow’s Market Hall is key to a once-in-a-lifetime £17.5 million Levelling Up Fund scheme to transform the building and the public realm that surrounds it to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
The project would create a new destination with food, shopping and experiences at its heart with an enhanced, accessible entrance and foyer into The Forum and improvements to the public realm in Duke Street. A community hub will also be created in The Forum as part of the #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal along with a pocket park and space for outdoor events.
Now, a second phase of consultation is set to begin, offering people the chance to help shape plans for the interior of the market building with anyone taking part able to share ideas about the kind of goods, food and drink stalls they would like to see on offer in the future as well as spaces for leisure activities.
The consultation will take place from today – Monday 27th February to Monday 13th March, 2023 – and will include the chance to speak to those involved in the project, a survey and further workshop sessions.
Councillor Lee Roberts, Deputy Leader of the Council and its Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “We had an excellent response to the first consultation before Christmas with many people attending drop in sessions and completing the survey.
“This project brings such opportunity and promise to our town centre and is a chance to boost our local traders and businesses while providing a great experience for residents and visitors.
“The next stage of consultation is now upon us. Please take the opportunity to share your views on what you would like to see on offer in the market as part of its transformation.”
An exhibition of designs for the scheme will be on show at Barrow Market for the duration of the consultation. In addition, a series of drop-in events will be held on the following dates:
- Barrow Market: Wednesday 1st March, 11.30am – 2pm
- The Forum: Friday 3rd March, 12 noon – 2pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm
- Barrow Market: Saturday 4th March, 11.30am – 2pm
- Extra Barrow: Tuesday 7th March, 12 noon – 2pm Tesco
- The Forum: Friday 10th March, 12 noon – 2pm
People can also complete an online survey here: www.barrowbc.gov.uk/regen
Printed copies of the questionnaire can be completed at the events and they are available at Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street.
Manchester-based Buttress Architects, working with designers OPEN and engineers WSP, were selected during a competitive tender process to complete the design element of the scheme.
The results of a first public consultation in December, which included drop in events, online and paper surveys as well as workshops with stakeholder groups, found 81 per cent of respondents supported the objectives of the scheme.
In addition, 74 per cent were in favour of proposals to transform Barrow Market and its outside space to create a modern, light and attractive venue.
A planning application is on track to be submitted in March 2023. It is anticipated that work could get underway in summer 2023.
