BUSINESSES are set to find out what BAE's plans are for Portland Walk in Barrow.

At the start of the year, the defence giant purchased a number of properties within town centre road to support future growth.

The properties were previously occupied by Debenhams, WH Smith, Body Shop and The Sweet Emporium. The top floor of the car park at the rear of Debenhams was also bought by the multinational company.

The aim is to build upon extensive vocational training and community investment provided by BAE Systems in the town.

All of the former retail outlets bought require extensive refurbishment and renovation to convert them into a modern multi-use facility.

Now, Barrow Business Improvement District levy payers have been invited to join BAE Systems on September 7 to hear the plans for Portland Walk for the very first time.

Located in the previous Debenhams store, the briefing will take place from 1pm - 3pm and will give local business owners and managers a chance to learn more about how BAE Systems plans to use the buildings.

A BAE Systems spokesperson said: "Work is well underway on transforming the former Debenhams, Body Shop and WH Smith buildings in Barrow's Portland Walk. We are very much looking forward to sharing with Barrow BID members what our plans are."

The Mail: Portland Walk before and after

In May of this year, Portland Walk was given an extensive clean-up operation for the new BAE multi-use training facility whilst also complementing the levelling-up investment in the Market Hall. 

Speaking at the time, a spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness council said: "Building upon a strong foundation of secured regeneration, we are at the beginning of an exciting journey working with key stakeholders." 

BAE Systems employees in Barrow are currently building Astute and Dreadnought submarines for the Royal Navy, as well as providing in-service support. Work is ongoing on early design activities for a replacement for the Astute class, known as the Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR).

More than £1 billion has been invested in technology and infrastructure at the Barrow shipyard to support the delivery of these programmes.

If there any businesses still wishing to attend this briefing, register by using the following link.