Designs reveal what Barrow Town Hall may look like after work

Westmorland and Furness Council has submitted plans for internal works to the ground floor of the historic building including the creation of three door openings, constructing a new reception space and electrical and lighting upgrades. 

The proposed reception area Barrow Town Hall (Image: KPP Architects)

The authority has to gain listed building consent to carry out the works. The design and access statement published by KPP Architects states: "The listed building application is for minor refurbishment works to part of the ground floor at Barrow Town Hall. 

The proposed housing reception area (Image: KPP Architects)

"There will be a less than substantial impact on the heritage of the building. It will provide better spaces for the public accessing council services and the staff providing them, consequently improving the service provided and the customer experience."

The plans are for minor refurbishment works to part of the ground floor (Image: KPP Architects)

The plans specify creating a dedicated reception at the Cornwallis Street entrance from which council services can be accessed.

There will also be another separate reception area for housing services. 

The registrar's office in the designs for Barrow Town Hall (Image: KPP Architects)

The plans state that to deliver an improved service, some alterations will be made such as the removal of the 20th century partitions and screens, and the replacement of a full height screen in the reception area. 

The proposed self-service area in the town hall (Image: KPP Architects)

There will also be the provision of 'numerous' private interview rooms for the public, new toilet facilities including an accessible WC, and a 'rationalisation of desk layouts for staff office areas.' 

The new office design (Image: KPP Architects)

No changes are proposed to the entrance of the building, and the vehicular access to the car park adjacent to the hall will remain unchanged. 

The town hall opened in 1887 and was designed by W H Lynn, a Belfast architect. The sandstone used came from Hawcoat Quarry. The building cost £67,875 at the time of construction. 

In February 2023, the same team that worked on Big Ben began work on Barrow Town Hall clock which had been stuck at the wrong time because of a blocked rainwater outlet. 

Cumbria Clock Company is based in Dacre, which is near Penrith.