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Heated discussions on Barrow town centre's future

Source

www.bbc.co.uk

Published Source updated (as of )

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Dozens of people are sitting in a church hall and looking up at a screen which is displaying an annotated map. The screen is on a stage and there are lights overhead. The interior of the church has tall arches and arched windows.

Understand

Heated public consultations held over the future regeneration of Barrow town centre

Overview

Residents and council bosses engaged in heated discussions during consultation events regarding the £200m regeneration of Barrow town centre. Questions were raised about the sudden 2023 closure and potential demolition of the Forum theatre and Barrow Market due to asbestos issues. While a new theatre remains an ambition for Westmorland and Furness Council, officials emphasised the need for economic viability, noting that recent theatre builds cost between £50m and £60m, with a temporary venue expected by 2028.

Key points

  • Consultation events unveiled first-look plans for the regeneration of Barrow town centre, including a new theatre and cultural quarter.
  • The public questioned council bosses about the Forum theatre and Barrow Market, which closed abruptly in 2023 due to asbestos.
  • Gareth Candlin, the council's director of planning, regeneration and communities, stated that a new theatre must be economically viable before being built.
  • Candlin noted that recent theatre builds cost £50m to £60m, and a temporary theatre is expected to arrive in 2028.
  • Barrow is undergoing a £200m regeneration project, receiving £20m a year from central government starting in 2025 via Team Barrow.
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