The transformation of Barrow town centre has taken a step forward – despite no final decision being made.
Westmorland and Furness Council has issued an Invitation to Tender to specialist demolition contractors as part of a process to shape a once in a lifetime transformation of Barrow town centre.
The authority said it was advertising the tender now so it can award the contract quickly, despite no formal decisions being made about the revamp and the possible demolition of the market and the Forum.
It said a decision to proceed or not with any option will be subject to the approval of a future business case in the autumn.
In June, the council’s cabinet agreed to start the process to develop bolder, more ambitious plans for the Heart of Barrow, following a recent decision by the Team Barrow partnership – which includes the council, the Government and BAE Systems – to prioritise the regeneration of the town centre as one of its major capital projects.
A new town centre is seen as key to these ambitions, the council said, and significant extra funding has been made available through Team Barrow.
The council added: “Issuing the Invitation to Tender does not mean any decisions have been taken to demolish any buildings and bidders have been advised that any award of tender is subject to a future decision.
“The council is placing the project in a position where a demolition contract could proceed without further delay, if it emerges as the preferred option.”
