Work is continuing on the £5.5 million Barrow Waterside project.
Contractors Thomas Armstrong Construction has been clearing and cleaning up six hectares of the former industrial site, south of the A5087 on Salthouse Road.
It will eventually see 550 homes built. The initial clearing phase is to support 214 new homes erected.
In November 2021, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership agreed to invest £5.5 million of its Getting Building Fund provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Housing and Local Government in the scheme.
Formerly known as Marina Village, it is one of seven projects that make up #BrilliantBarrow – a programme which last year secured an offer of £25 million of committed funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.
So far, the team has, relocated the slow worms and lizards from the site to a designated conservation area, blocked up a redundant entrance on Salthouse Road, demolished some of the buildings on site, removed asbestos and rubble piles, fenced the perimeter of site, protected the existing wall on Salthouse Road, and commenced removal of the industrial slag and contaminated soil.
Cumbria County Council and Barrow Borough Council is working on the project and work is scheduled to be complete in June 2023.
Councillor David Southward, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are delighted to support the Barrow Waterside Project in Barrow and work collaboratively with Barrow Borough Council and the Cumbria LEP.
“The project is coming along nicely, and the six-hectare section of the site is nearly ready for development for new homes to be built.
“Barrow Waterside is a popular part of town and is conveniently located near major employers, schools and colleges and sustainable transport links, which will benefit the local economy and connectivity, whilst boosting new family homes in the area.
“We appreciate residents’ patience and support during this project.”
Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cumbria LEP invested £5.5million of Getting Building Fund to prepare the site for much needed new housing to meet the needs of current and future residents.
“We are really keen that this site creates housing that is really attractive for those looking to build their career in Barrow, given the fabulous opportunities that are available.
“I very much look forward to seeing this development move forward.”
