Barrow shops demolition approved ahead of Levelling Up revamp

Councillors have previously described the Market Hall revamp as a "once-in-a-generation" scheme

Plans to demolish a number of buildings as part of efforts to regenerate Barrow town centre have been approved.

Demolition of properties at The Ginnel, Dalton Street and Stephen Street will begin next month, funded by the government's Levelling Up scheme.

Westmorland and Furness Council said the work was a "crucial component" of the area's £17.5m revamp.

The regeneration project will see the town's Market Hall rebuilt and the Forum arts complex redeveloped.

The scheme, which has received £16m in funding from government, is expected to be completed in 2025.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council's cabinet member for sustainable communities and localities, said she was "really looking forward to seeing this particular area opened up and developed into something residents, shoppers and visitors will appreciate".

Bulldozers moved on to the site last year, knocking down a unit on Portland Walk

Barrow-based Leck Construction have been awarded the contract to demolish the properties, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Got It Covered, the last remaining business in The Ginnel, will continue trading until 4 November and subsequently reopen in a new unit on Dalton Road.

Earlier this year, it was announced submarine builder BAE Systems had bought several empty retail units in Portland Walk, with the intention of turning four empty stores into a "multi-use facility" offering workforce training.

The Barrow shipyard owner has previously promised to work with local authorities to contribute to regeneration of the town centre.