WORK is underway to transform a park in Barrow’s town centre to provide attractive green space and natural play opportunities for local people and families to enjoy.

The pocket park, in Argyle Street, will benefit from a host of new trees and plants, reclaimed seating and paving, stepping stone trails, play equipment made from reclaimed materials, a games area and planters and a floor mural designed by a local artist.

The work is on track to be completed by the end of March.

Councillor Derek Brook, Barrow Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community, said, “It’s fantastic to see work get underway to create this space that people of all ages can enjoy.

“Being able to get outside in the fresh air in nice surroundings boosts levels of health and wellbeing while the planting of trees will contribute to our ambitions for Barrow to become carbon neutral by 2037.

“Parks also bring communities together to enjoy the outdoors and are particularly important for those without a garden area. I look forward to seeing this new pocket park become a well loved, safe and welcoming green space for everyone.”

Work to create the pocket park at Argyle Place, in Barrow’s Central Ward, was able to go ahead thanks to a grant of £85,000 from the Government’s Levelling Up Parks Fund.

The purpose of the Levelling Up Parks Fund is to create new or significantly refurbished green space in urban areas that need it most.

Barrow Borough Council identified Argyle Place as a location suitable for the funding following site visits and consultation with ward members before the work was approved in October 2022 by Barrow Borough Council’s Executive Committee.

Further engagement with local residents and community groups took place through drop-in sessions and events in the run up to Christmas to ensure people had the opportunity to influence the design.

The design was finalised by Layer Architects with IT Shaw, a groundwork services company from Ulverston, undertaking the work on site.