A first look has been given at the Old Lyric Hall's major renovation ahead of its upcoming opening.

In December last year, the green light was given for the historic Barrow building to be transformed into a 10-bedroom 'aparthotel'.

The St David Group was given the go-ahead by Westmorland and Furness Council to redevelop the site on Clifford Street with the company now confirming that it will be opening in the Autumn.

A spokesperson said: "We are are thrilled to be opening our first site.

"This has been a real passion project, all about preserving the character of the building and bringing it back to life."

A precise date for the grand opening will be shared in the coming weeks, with the group also confirming that future projects in Barrow are also already in the pipeline.

In September 2023, plans were originally approved by the council for the developer to turn the building into two Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s) consisting of a four-bed and a six-bed unit.

However, the 'aparthotel' plans went on to supersede the HMO approval, with the idea said to combine the 'comfort of a home' with the 'luxury of a hotel'.

Before its latest transformation, the Old Lyric Hall was used as a community hub, but had been vacant for several years, with significant remedial works required.

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The redevelopment consists of four individual apartments on the ground floor, while the first floor will offer six self-contained apartments.

Each of these apartments will feature fully equipped kitchenettes and en-suite facilities.

The property will also contain a staff office, a plant room, a meter room and a linen room.

The initial planning documents said the predicted increase in level of demand for parking would have an ‘imperceptible’ effect on parking for local residents.

To find out more information about the site, including details on how to book a viewing, you contact admin@OldLyricHall.com.