'Bright' new look for Barrow's market hall and Forum revealed

A lack of natural light and 'outdated and cluttered facades' are referred to in a planning statement submitted by design practice Optimised Environments (OPEN).

The statement is in support of an application – submitted by Barrow Borough Council – to transform the external look of both the market hall and The Forum theatre in Duke Street.  

The project is part of a plan to 'inject vitality' back into the town centre that is to include changes to the market hall's offering and public realm improvements.

The wider scheme is being backed by £16m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund and £1.5m in match funding from Barrow Borough Council.

OPEN's statement says the existence of numerous entrance points at the market mean 'it's unclear where each lead to' and that 'all are poor quality, unwelcoming and poorly lit'.

The facade update is part of a multi-million-pound scheme to 'inject vitality' into Barrow town centre (Image: OPEN)

It says The Forum's facade is 'dated' and that the appearance of the inside of the market hall is 'tired' with a 'confusing and disorientating' layout and 'underutilised' space. 

There would be an increase in the 'glazed area to the market and Forum entrances' and new entrance canopies introduced, among other changes, as part of the facades application.

Existing shop units that front Duke Street would be removed.

The plan would also see improvements made to the facades of the building that meet Dalton Road, Paxton Street, Stephen Street, as well as the Portland Walk entrance. 

The borough council says it wants to give the frontages of the market hall and Forum a 'bright, modern look'. 

A spokesman said the council was looking to create a 'light-filled destination that offers shopping, activities and entertainment during the daytime and into the evenings'.

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If planning permission is approved, work on the building could begin this summer. Market traders would continue to operate from the market hall throughout the course of the planned works.

Bev and Ian Wheddon, who run mobile phone repair and accessory business Mobile Man at Barrow Market, welcomed the plans.

“As a town we are so lucky to have been awarded the funding to improve our already fantastic market hall," said Mrs Wheddon. 

"Here at Mobile Man, we are really looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”

Steve and Wendy Gunning run a number of stalls; Pets Paradise, The Wool Baa, Lillydot Cards and Sweet Floral Paradise.

Mrs Gunning said: “We are looking forward to the new market. The Food Hall will be a great asset to the town. There will be some disruption during the works, but the traders are still open and need your support. So please continue to support us and shop local.”