Barrow Dock Museum gets upgrade as part of town development

The space will be created at The Dock Museum as part of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal Place Development programme and is expected to take roughly 12 weeks to complete.

It will be undertaken by contractor AE Yates Ltd and will include the laying of a new resin-bound surface, the installation of planted areas and trees as well as a pop-up power unit and lighting scheme.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet  ember for sustainable communities, said: “I’m delighted to see this next phase of the Place Development programme get underway so we can build on the huge success there’s been over the last two years. 

“Hundreds of people have enjoyed the activities on offer so far and this improved events space at The Dock Museum will enable audience experience to be even better."

Westmorland and Furness Council is leading on the delivery of the Place Development programme which aims to help attract residents and visitors to the town centre, increasing footfall and boosting the local economy while improving the overall perception of Barrow as a great place to live, work and visit. 

As well as the amphitheatre, the programme will see a further outdoor events space created to the rear of a redeveloped Barrow Market Hall along with continuing family-friendly, free events.

Councillor Taylor added: "I have arts and events in my portfolio, and know how much benefit they give to the whole town centre, as people are brought into town to enjoy themselves and help create a busy and happy Barrow."

Westmorland and Furness Council is working with a range of partners to deliver the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal which secured the maximum funding award of £25 million from the Government’s Towns Fund in 2022.

The Brilliant Barrow Summer of Fun programme – having completed its second season – offered a range of family-friendly entertainment in Barrow's town centre and at The Dock Museum and helped to attract thousands of people to the area.