Moves to develop a flagship residential development in Barrow have taken a major step forward.
Specialist firm Redstart Northwest Ltd has been appointed as the contractor to complete phase 2 of the design and remediation of the Marina Village site, which will support a total of 808 homes and green space.
The contract will include assessments and surveys, the submission of a planning application and Environmental Impact Assessment for an additional area not covered by the existing planning permission, the clearance of the site, demolition of existing buildings and structures, management of the utility diversions, remediation of the ground and the realignment of Cavendish Dock Road.
Phases one and two of the 26-hectare site between Cavendish Dock and Salthouse Road would support 808 new homes, which would strengthen the council's work with government and BAE Systems as Team Barrow to ensure that interventions needed to support employment opportunities at BAE are transformational, inclusive and long lasting for Barrow, Westmorland and Furness, and beyond.
Homes England pledged £24.8 million earlier this year to fund remediation of phase two of the site. Funding through Brilliant Barrow – regeneration funding from the Government’s Towns Fund – has also supported the scheme.
Phase one of the development – the remediation of six hectares of land funded by £5.5 million secured from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, administered by Cumbria LEP – was completed in November.
The Marina Village plan is seen as a vital part of Barrow’s wider regeneration agenda, creating a vibrant community and providing new housing in the heart of the town near to centres of education, major employers and local shops and businesses and changing perceptions of Barrow as a place to live.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "Marina Village was long an ambition of Barrow Borough Council, which did a tremendous amount of work to get this significant project to a point where Westmorland and Furness Council are able to take this forward.
"This is one of the biggest schemes for the council. It is key to the future sustainability and viability of Barrow and, indeed, the wider Westmorland and Furness area and beyond. This is a major component of delivery for Team Barrow and the Barrow Transformation Fund partnership, together with government and BAE Systems.
"This is a very exciting moment. I look forward to seeing phase two get under way. This will unlock this former industrial land and see it transformed into a thriving residential community in the centre of Barrow, close to shops, places of work, education and transport links."
Richard Horsnell, director and founder of Redstart, said: “Redstart is delighted to have been awarded one of Westmorland and Furness Council largest schemes and will work closely with the delivery team to make it a continued success. Winning a complex remediation project is not just about presenting the best solution; it's about understanding the unique challenges of the site, building trust with stakeholders, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the local community."