18/9/2009 - Millions invested in major Barrow facelift

A multi-million pound facelift for Barrow town centre is set to get underway next week.

Work will kick-off on Monday (September 21) on the Dalton Road phases of the town’s public realm improvement scheme –a major project aimed at boosting trade and investment in the town centre and bringing environmental and landscape improvements.

The scheme, costing around £4.13million is being funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) via Barrow Regeneration (formerly Barrow Vision) to the tune of around £3.7million, with Cumbria County Council contributing £252,000 and Barrow Borough Council £160,000.

Work, which is being divided into seven phases and is set to be completed by September 2010, will see Dalton Road, Portland Walk, Cavendish Street, Scott Street, Dalkeith Street and William Street all revamped.

The project will feature the building of natural sandstone pavements with new street furniture, red granite bollards and benches, stainless steel bollards, lamp columns and litter bins.

New drainage and road gullies are also being installed as well as street lights and LED lighting ducts that will illuminate granite bollards, seats and tree pits.

The construction of new sandstone carriageways will also be carried out and Cavendish Street, Scott Street and Dalkeith Street will get a new road surface and road markings.

Cumbria County Council has overall responsibility for delivering the scheme and is working in partnership with Barrow Borough Council, Amey –who are carrying out the works, Capita Symonds –who have designed the scheme, and Barrow Regeneration –who have provided funding via the NWDA.

Councillor Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways and economic development, said: "Barrow is undergoing major regeneration at the moment with various schemes including the Waterfront Business Park and the new link road all underway.

"The Dalton Road improvements are a big part of the overall regeneration of the town and I’m delighted the work is about to kick-off –these improvements are going to be a massive boost to the town centre."

Bob Pointing, Programme Director for Barrow Regeneration, said: "As Barrow gears up to become a major business and tourism destination in the North West, it is vital we have an attractive town centre which not only makes local people proud, but changes the perception of Barrow among inward investors and visitors alike.

"This £4m scheme is a major statement of faith in the future of the town from all the partners involved. Along with The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness development, which is being led by Barrow Regeneration, we are all committed to delivering a bold new image of Barrow which brings a fresh sparkle to this fiercely proud and important town."

Steve Solsby, assistant director (regeneration) at Barrow Borough Council, said: "We are obviously pleased that the offer of NWDA funding secured by the Borough Council is now resulting in a continued investment in the town centre by using quality materials to improve the public realm."

Ronnie Collins, operations manager at Amey, said: "We are very pleased to be taking part in this programme and supporting the local economy and regeneration agenda by recruiting locally and offering people a route into work."

The phase of the scheme starting next Monday will be on Dalton Road. To ensure any disruption to businesses and shoppers is kept to a minimum work will be suspended from November 30 until January 4 2010 –the main Christmas shopping period.

For the duration of the project Amey will have a site office at 77-79 Duke Street and is employing a community liaison officer, Ian Goss.

Ian will be meeting businesses and speaking to shoppers and residents to answer any concerns or queries they may have regarding the work and they will also be able to drop into the office to view plans, discuss the scheme or get regular progress updates.

Barrow Regeneration also now has an office at the same premises in Duke Street and will be on hand to speak to the public about the project.

And on Monday (September 21) a Neighbourhood Forum meeting is taking place at Forum 28 on Duke Street between 6pm and 8pm where a presentation will be delivered and interested parties given the opportunity to talk about the work.

ENDS

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