Fun day planned as Barrow Market Hall traders move into units

The new units opened for business on Monday, August 12, following the last day of trading in Barrow Market on Saturday.

Some of the 20-plus traders will be located in refurbished units in The Mall, facing Dalton Road.

New units at The Mall (Image: Supplied)

Some traders will be in units within the former Meat Hall, however, as work is still ongoing here, these traders are set up in special units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk.

The work on Barrow Market is part of a £17.5 million government-funded scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum, and the surrounding public realm.

The aim is to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.

New outdoor site for Sillfield Farm Foods (Image: Supplied)

The work in the Market Hall is expected to take two years to complete.

To celebrate the occasion, a family event will be held in and around the new market on Wednesday, August 14, with an official opening by the Mayor of Barrow.

Between 11am and 2pm, there will be live entertainment across The Mall and Portland Walk, including storytelling and music by The Songsmiths, a piano duet by South Lakes Rock School, and face painting and inflatable games provided by Barrow BID.

Bentley's Bedding (Image: Supplied)

Steph Cordon, director of thriving communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "Our long-term vision of making Barrow Market a vibrant and successful part of a revitalised town centre through the Barrow Town Centre Regeneration Scheme has made it necessary to close the Market Hall but the temporary market is now open and is looking great.

"This council has made a commitment to working with partners and the community to help make Barrow town centre one that people can be proud of and that is a destination in its own right.

"There is already renewed positivity and energy in the heart of Barrow and projects such as the Market Hall improvements will further strengthen that.

Ramp access being built at Pet's Paradise stall (Image: Supplied)

"I urge everybody to go along and support the traders in their new, temporary home."

As well as transforming the market and The Forum, a Town Centre Community Hub will be created within The Forum.

This will offer a new refurbished space showcasing culture, activities and events, and provide meeting, makers’ and entrepreneurial space.

The Wool Baa unit on the outdoor market space (Image: Supplied)

Public realm improvements on Duke Street and at the Portland Walk entrance of Barrow Market Hall will contribute to making the town centre a more 'attractive, thriving and vibrant place' for people to spend time in and enjoy visiting.

The creation of a pocket park/outdoor events space at the market square will enable the delivery of a programme of events to encourage community participation and increase visitor numbers.

During the main refurbishment works on the Market Hall, the Meat Hall will remain open but access will only be from Dalton Road.