Barrow Market traders are settling in to their fantastic new home while work starts on the multi-million pound rejuvenation of the Market Hall.
Following Saturday's last day of trading in Barrow Market, the new units are to open for business today (Monday 12 August), retaining the market’s reputation for excellent choice, value for money and great customer service in a specially designed, modern space.
Some of the 20-plus traders will be located in refurbished units in The Mall, facing Dalton Road. The remainder will be in units within the former Meat Hall; however, as work is still taking place here for a few more months, these traders will be in special units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk for the time being. During the main refurbishment works on the Market Hall, the Meat Hall will remain open but access will only be from Dalton Road.
To mark the occasion a family celebration event has been organised in and around the new market on Wednesday 14 August, with an official opening to be carried out by the Mayor of Barrow. Between 11am and 2pm there will be live entertainment across The Mall and Portland Walk:
- Storytelling and music by The Songsmiths
- South Lakes Rock School piano duet present Café del Market
- Live broadcasting from CandoFM community radio
- Face painting and inflatable games provided by Barrow BID
- Matrix Circus will be performing on Barrow Town Square at 11.30 and 2pm as part of Brilliant Barrow’s free Summer of Fun events programme.
Everyone is welcome to take a photo of themselves for the market’s newly created “selfie wall”. Also planned are fun floor paints in The Mall and outdoor market, planters at the Duke Street entrance, bunting, flags, lights, benches and picnic tables.
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 to attract more people into the town centre, bringing the community together and boosting the local economy.
It is estimated the work in the Market Hall will take two years to complete.
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.
“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 to offer a welcoming new refurbished space showcasing local culture, activities and events, and to provide meeting, makers’ and entrepreneurial space.
Public realm improvements on Duke Street and at the Portland Walk entrance of Barrow Market Hall will help to make 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.