Cumbria’s education leaders said Barrow’s £25 million boost to revamp the town is a once in a generation opportunity.
The Government has given the green light to the #BrilliantBarrow initiative, which will see seven schemes push forward to help transform the town.
The largest and most ambitious of these schemes is the Barrow Learning Quarter which will see the creation of a transformational new University of Cumbria campus in the centre of Barrow, as well as the transformation of Furness College’s sixth form on its current Rating Lane site.
A partnership between the University of Cumbria, Furness College, the borough council, BAE Systems, and local businesses, the new Barrow Learning Quarter will aim to facilitate the delivery of higher education locally, focusing on developing higher-level skills that are in demand from the advanced manufacturing businesses in and around Barrow and south west Cumbria.
University of Cumbria vice chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell is delighted with the news and said: “A new Learning Quarter in Barrow will see the creation of a new university campus at its heart and help transform the town for future generations.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform education in Barrow, and now that the funding has been confirmed, we can take the next steps.
“Working with our partners, we will create a learning quarter – in, for and from Barrow, and truly realise our collective potential.”
Furness College principal and chief executive Andrew Wren said: “We are delighted to secure a share of this funding that will enable us to carry out a significant transformation of Barrow Sixth Form at its Rating Lane campus.
“Investment in this specialist campus is very welcome as we seek to create invigorating new spaces within an established building that suit the educational and study needs of our students today.
“Our sixth form is the number one choice for school leavers in South Cumbria who come to study A Levels, CTECs and new T Levels, and our campus has a long track record of success in helping students progress into university education, higher and degree apprenticeships, and employment.
“We will be working closely with our education partners, including the project-lead the University of Cumbria, on the Learning Quarter Project to ensure the young people of this town benefit from all the opportunities this will bring.”
The next stage of the project is to successfully complete the planning application process. It is expected that the main construction work will begin later this year, with completion forecasted for late spring 2024.
Barrow was among 101 towns across the country invited to bid for a share of the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.
A Town Deal Board was established in the borough to bring together representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors who advised on the development of the #BrilliantBarrow scheme.
The other projects are:
- Community wellbeing Hubs and Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre – Hubs at The Forum, in Barrow Town Centre, at Bram Longstaffe on Barrow Island and in Ormsgill will provide a home for activities and services for people in all stages of their lives. A new outdoor learning and community hub will also be created at Earnse Bay, on Walney.
- Business and Enterprise – A programme of bespoke business support will be available to residents, potential entrepreneurs and small to medium sized businesses, including community businesses and social enterprises, to harness economic opportunities in Barrow including those that exist within the supply chain.
- Brilliant Barrow Place Development – This project will improve event spaces in the town centre to allow a calendar of activities and events to be developed, attracting both residents and visitors to the area.
- Housing Renewal – Around 300 homes and a number of commercial properties in Rawlinson Street and Ferry Road on Barrow Island will undergo works and carbon reduction measures to improve the lives of residents as well as the overall perception of Barrow as a great place to live.
- Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure – Dedicated routes for cyclists and pedestrians will link key areas to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to travel by bike or on foot, cutting the number of short car journeys to improve health and wellbeing, reduce carbon usage and contribute to cleaner air.
- Marina Village – This project will help bring forward remediation and development of the derelict waterfront site. The work will unlock the potential of the site allowing the private sector to construct a mixed range of new homes bringing people and families back into the heart of the town.
The projects will be delivered by a number of key partnership organisations across the area over several years – with completion of all seven projects expected by 2026.
