Heated discussions on town centre's future

Heated discussions between the public and bosses were had at a consultation on the future of a town.

A first look at plans to regenerate Barrow town centre were unveiled this week at consultation events, including ideas for a new theatre and cultural quarter.

Questions were asked about the Forum theatre venue and Barrow Market, which closed suddenly in 2023 over asbestos issues, and ranged from scrutiny of the decision to demolish them to asking when a replacement would come.

Westmorland and Furness Council's director of planning, regeneration and communities, Gareth Candlin, said a theatre was one of the authority's "ambitions" but it had to be economically viable.

One resident, who did not want to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I've lived in Barrow all of my life, I work in the shipyard and am really passionate about the potential the town has.

"There is a lot of talk about the investment but we haven't actually seen any of it turn into anything.

"Barrow has a reputation elsewhere for being a bit of a dead-end town, but I really like living here."

She added the likes of BAE pay well, so workers "have money to spend" but asked "where can you spend it" in town.

Barrow town centre is undergoing a £200m regeneration, with the town getting £20m a year from 2025.

The funding from central government is the responsibility of Team Barrow - a partnership between government, BAE Systems and the Liberal Democrat-led council.

In August, £23m was announced for a first phrase which would address the closure of the theatre and market, including a market village, a "temporary event space" and a programme of arts, culture and entertainment.

Candlin said theatre builds in recent years had cost between £50m and £60m.

He said: "If we do build it, we don't want to spend £50m and then it shuts its doors three years down the line because it runs out of money."

The temporary theatre was expected to come in 2028, Candlin added.

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