A planning application has been submitted for a once-in-a-generation scheme to revamp part of Barrow’s town centre.
Barrow’s Market Hall is key to a £17.5 million Levelling Up Fund scheme to reinvigorate the building and area around it to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
Planning permission is now being sought to transform the Duke Street front of Barrow’s Market Hall and The Forum.
Barrow Borough Council said the result would be a light-filled destination that offers shopping, activities and entertainment during the daytime and into the evenings.
The plan proposes that an accessible entrance would be created on Duke Street providing a new gateway to Barrow Market and neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum.
Existing shop units that front Duke Street would be removed to allow sunlight to illuminate further into the market hall so that those passing the building can see the hive of activity within, the authority said.
The proposal would also see improvements to the facades of the building that meet Dalton Road, Paxton Street, Stephen Street and the Portland Walk entrance.
Other proposed changes in the application include:
- The removal of the pitched roof to The Forum entrance and replacement with flat roof
- Refurbished entrances and new canopies to all building entrances
- Solar control glazing added to the Market Hall and The Forum entrances
- Removal of the steel columns and non-functional elements from the Market Hall and The Forum Duke Street elevation to enhance the setting of the Central Barrow Conservation Area
Feedback from two public consultations has been used to inform both the exterior design scheme led by architects from OPEN, as well as helping to shape proposals for the Market Hall’s interior with Buttress – including what type of food, drink and goods stalls it could offer in the future, events and activities that could take place and space for leisure.
A community hub will also be created in The Forum as part of the #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal along with a pocket park in Stephen Street and space for outdoor events.
If planning permission is approved, work on the building could begin this summer. Market traders would continue to operate from the market hall throughout the course of the planned work.
Ian and Bev Wheddon, who run Mobile Man at Barrow Market, said the plans were great for Barrow.
Mrs Wheddon said: “As a town we are so lucky to have been awarded the funding to improve our already fantastic Market Hall. Here at Mobile Man we are really looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”
Steve and Wendy Gunning run a number of stalls; Pets Paradise, The Wool Baa, Lillydot Cards and Sweet Floral Paradise.
Mrs Gunning said: “We are looking forward to the new market. The Food Hall will be a great asset to the town. There will be some disruption during the works, but the traders are still open and need your support. So please continue to support us and shop local.”
