PREPARATION works that will pave the way for major town centre regeneration schemes in Barrow are set to get underway this month.

A vacant unit to the rear of Barrow Market Hall, 56 Portland Walk, will be removed to make way for a £17.5 million Levelling Up Fund scheme to transform the market and its exterior.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “This work is required to prepare for the major regeneration projects that will get underway in early 2023.

“It’s an exciting stage, because it means things are moving forward to make way for these transformative schemes that have been in development for some time.

“There will be some disruption while this work is carried out, but this will be kept to a minimum and we hope people will bear with us while it takes place.”

Money from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund will be used to carry out a series of improvements to the market with new bays for stallholders and the addition of a food hall and activity areas.

The exterior will be given a brand-new look while a shared entrance will be created between the market and The Forum on Duke Street.

The Market Square will be improved using #BrilliantBarrow funding to provide an exciting, flexible space for a range of events and activities, hoped to encourage people to spend time in the town centre.

Following the demolition of 56 Portland Walk, the area will be made safe and secure with a low-level rail installed temporarily.

The market hall will remain open throughout the process with access to the Market Hall available via Duke Street.

Cllr Thomson said: “The regeneration projects we have ahead of us are extremely rare at this scale and provide us with the opportunity to change the way we think about and use our town centre in the future.

“While work to remove this unit is only in preparation for these schemes, it is still a positive step towards our goal to create a town centre that thrives for years to come.”