A major project to create a fully accessible community arts centre in Barrow is well underway.
Work started on the huge refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Cooke’s Studios on Abbey Road last year by arts charity Signal Film & Media.
It won funding from the Government in March and it said with further funding secured from Art Council England the charity is now set to transform accessibility at the buildings, where the organisation is based alongside popular local arts and community organisations Theatre Factory, Furness Multicultural Forum and Sir John Fisher Foundation.
Working with Bauman Lyons Architects and Howe Construction, Signal Film & Media is transforming Cooke’s Studios into an open door venue by recreating the traditional Victorian era shop fronts and moving the entranceway to vastly improve visibility and access.
New openings are also being created to allow circulation between the three ground floor bays and Signal Film & Media is relocating to the ground floor so that they can ‘host’ the space.
The upper floors of the building remain open while the project is underway.
Once completed in spring next year, the facilities will include a new reception, cafe area and improved exhibition, workshop and event spaces to host more activities and give even more people the opportunity to experience and gain skills in the arts.
Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris said: “In Cooke’s Studios, the people of Barrow have a real asset. And these major upgrades will make this wonderful arts centre more accessible to locals than ever before.
“We want all communities to achieve their potential, and creative and cultural hubs like this one have a huge role to play in that process. We can’t wait to see work completed, ushering in a new era for Cooke’s Studios.”
Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham, said: “Cooke’s Studios is a landmark building and the work happening there is breathing new life into an asset that will be a huge part of the regeneration of our town and its growing creative sectors.”
“I’m delighted to see the work moving at pace and this additional funding will make the building even more accessible to local people. I can’t wait to see the work finished and Cooke’s Studios opened up to the public again, as a symbol of both our town’s proud history and its exciting future.”
Signal Film and Media co-director Kerry Kolbe said: “Since we first got the building open in 2011 it’s gone from strength to strength, but needing to ‘buzz’ to get in, then being confronted by a mountainous staircase, has been a big physical and psychological obstacle for people who we want to feel welcomed.
“This work will mean people can walk in off the street, meet a knowledgeable, friendly face, get a coffee and find out about all the great cultural stuff happening inside the building as well as being signposted to arts activities offered by our partners across the town.
“There’ll be space for anyone interested in creativity, culture and heritage to meet and hang out, more workshop and training rooms and a permanent heritage exhibition showcasing the Sankey Photography Archive alongside improved gallery facilities.”
Signal Film and Media co-director Loren Slater added: “It was a long road to raise the money as the cost of construction and materials skyrocketed whilst we were doing it. Westmorland and Furness Council and our MPs – both Simon Fell and Michelle Scrogham – have helped us to secure this big investment from central Government.”
