THE Government has confirmed the inspirational #BrilliantBarrow programme is to receive the full £25 million in Town Deal regeneration funding.

#BrilliantBarrow is made up of seven ambitious projects all designed to ensure the area thrives as a great place to live, work and visit now and into the future.

The business cases, which confirm the positive impact and long lasting benefits the projects will deliver, have been agreed within the timeframe to allow the promised money to be unlocked over the next four years.

Steve Cole, Chief Infrastructure Officer at BAE Systems and #BrilliantBarrow Board chair, said: “This is fantastic news. Barrow was one of the first towns in the country to secure an offer of funding from the Government in 2020 based on the strength and innovation of the seven projects submitted.

“Each one has the potential to benefit so many people and to help the town thrive for the future.

“Confirmation of the funding allocation marks the beginning of a very bright future for Barrow. I look forward to seeing each project take shape over the next few years to realise a raft of opportunity and positive outcomes for generations of people.”

Barrow was among 101 towns across the country invited to bid for a share of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

The seven projects included in the scheme are; Barrow Learning Quarter, Community Wellbeing Hubs and Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre, Business and Enterprise, Brilliant Barrow Place Development, Housing Renewal, Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure, and the Marina Village.

The projects will be delivered by a number of key partnership organisations across the area over several years - with completion of all seven projects expected by 2026.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, welcomed the news.

She said: “This is a pivotal moment for our borough and all those who live and work here.

“The funding will ensure we are able to move forward into an exciting future with the launch of the innovative and ambitious new projects identified through #BrilliantBarrow.

“These projects have the potential to generate long term benefits for our communities - helping to realise new opportunities in further and higher education, regeneration and economic prosperity.

“I’m delighted the government has recognised our ambitions for Barrow with confirmation of the maximum amount of funding from the Towns Fund.”