Barrow Council Calls for Community Input on Revitalising the Town Centre

Breaking: Barrow Council Opens Three-question Public Feedback Drive on Town Center

The council in Barrow has launched a targeted public survey to gather residents’ views on the town centre. The initiative aims to capture immediate preferences while laying the groundwork for longer-term planning.

The survey centers on three core questions designed to understand what residents value now and what changes could bring more people into the town centre.

• What do you enjoy most about the town centre?
• What changes would bring you into town more often?
• What should be done in the near term to keep the area busy and vibrant while longer-term plans are developed?

The council emphasized its intent to reach a broad cross-section of the community, including local schools, care home residents, community groups, and voices that are often under-represented.

Feedback gathered will inform short-term actions, focusing on sustaining cultural, entertainment, and community activities in the town centre.

A second phase will invite residents to share their views on longer-term options for the area’s growth.

The council noted that no final decisions have been made about the Market Hall or Forum buildings at this stage.

Key Facts at a Glance

Key Point	Details
Purpose	Guide short-term improvements and inform longer-term options for Barrow’s town centre
Questions Asked	Three questions about enjoyment,drawing more people in,and near-term priorities
Audience Target	Local schools,care homes,community groups,and under-represented voices
Phases	Frist phase for immediate input; second phase for longer-term options
Decision Status	No final decisions yet on Market Hall or Forum buildings

Why Public Input Matters (Evergreen Insight)

Citizen engagement is a cornerstone of resilient town centres. By soliciting diverse perspectives, authorities can align short-term services with community needs while shaping lasting, long-term development that reflects local values and priorities.

Across communities, structured feedback helps balance cultural programming, accessibility, safety, and economic vitality. When people see their input reflected in decisions, public spaces become more welcoming, inclusive, and enduringly vibrant.

Join the Conversation

What is your top priority for Barrow’s town centre in the near term?

Which events or amenities would you like to see more of to encourage people to visit the town centre?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help shape Barrow’s next steps.

Barrow Council Calls for Community Input on Revitalising the Town Center

What the Revitalisation Project Aims to Achieve

• Boost local economy – attract new retailers, support existing high‑street shops, and increase footfall.
• Improve public spaces – create greener, more walkable streetscapes and accessible plazas.
• Strengthen community identity – celebrate Barrow’s maritime heritage through design‑led placemaking.
• Promote lasting development – integrate energy‑efficient lighting, electric‑vehicle charging points, and waste‑reduction measures.

Consultation Timeline – Key Dates to Remember

Date	Milestone	Action Required
28 Nov 2025	Launch of online survey	Click the council link and answer the 10‑question questionnaire.
05 Dec 2025 – 12 Dec 2025	Pop‑up workshops at Barrow Town Hall and Central Library	Register on the event page; attend in‑person or join via Zoom.
19 Dec 2025	Public exhibition of concept designs	View mock‑ups on the council website; submit written comments.
03 Jan 2026	Final deadline for written submissions	Email or post feedback to [email protected].

How Residents can Shape the Plan – Five Practical Ways to Contribute

1. Complete the online survey – it’s short (≈5 minutes) and data feeds directly into the planning draft.
2. Attend a workshop – bring sketches, photos, or personal stories that illustrate what you love about the town centre.
3. Submit a “vision statement” – a 150‑word description of your ideal Barrow high street; the council will publish the top 20 statements.
4. Participate in the interactive map – drop pins on the council’s GIS portal to highlight favorite spots or problem areas.
5. Join the citizen advisory panel – a rotating group of 12 local volunteers meets monthly to review design proposals.

Priority Themes Identified So Far (based on Preliminary Feedback)

• Retail mix diversification – encouraging pop‑up stores, boutique artisans, and co‑working cafés.
• Enhanced transport links – better bus shelters, dedicated bike lanes, and pedestrian‑first zones.
• Cultural activation – regular street markets, live music stages, and heritage trail signage.
• Public realm upgrades – new seating, improved lighting, and flood‑resilient paving.
• Digital infrastructure – free Wi‑Fi hubs and smart‑city data panels.

Funding Sources & Partnerships

• £5 million Urban Regeneration Grant – secured from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
• Private‑sector investment – partnership proposals from local developers, including a mixed‑use project on the former railway yard.
• Community‑led funding – Barrow Business Improvement District (BID) earmarking £250 k for façade‑improvement grants.
• Sustainability incentives – eligibility for the Green Infrastructure Fund for energy‑saving street furniture.

Real‑World Example: Fleetwood’s “Harbour Front Revitalisation” (2022‑2024)

• Outcome: 32 % increase in retail occupancy, 45 % rise in weekend footfall, and a 20 % reduction in traffic‑related emissions.
• Key take‑away: Early community workshops helped pinpoint the need for a flexible market space, which became the project’s anchor attraction.
• Relevance to Barrow: Similar coastal context and comparable population size make the Fleetwood model a useful benchmark for stakeholder engagement and phased implementation.

tips for Submitting Effective Feedback

• Be specific: Instead of “more shops,” suggest “a weekend farmer’s market on the square opposite the library.”
• Reference data: Cite any local statistics (e.g., “the high‑street vacancy rate is 12 % according to the 2024 Barrow Business Survey”).
• Prioritise ideas: Rank your suggestions (high, medium, low) to help the council allocate resources efficiently.
• Include visuals: Sketches, photos, or annotated maps can convey ideas faster than text alone.
• Stay constructive: Highlight both strengths and improvement opportunities rather than focusing solely on criticisms.

Expected Benefits for Barrow Residents & Businesses

• Economic uplift: New jobs in retail, hospitality, and construction; projected £3 million annual revenue boost.
• Improved quality of life: Safer streets, more green space, and community‑driven events fostering social cohesion.
• Environmental gains: Reduced car dependency, increased biodiversity through street‑level planting, and lower carbon footprint.
• Cultural enrichment: Dedicated spaces for local artists, heritage exhibitions, and seasonal festivals that attract visitors from across the North West.

Next Steps for the Council

• Draft masterplan release (Feb 2026): Incorporates consolidated community input and outlines phased delivery.
• Planning application submission (June 2026): seeks approval for zoning changes and infrastructure upgrades.
• Implementation kickoff (Sept 2026): Begins with streetscape improvements and pilot pop‑up shop program.

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Quick Reference – How to Get Involved Today

• Online survey: https://www.barrowcouncil.gov.uk/town-centre-survey
• Workshop registration: https://www.barrowcouncil.gov.uk/events/town-centre‑workshop
• Feedback email: [email protected]
• Map portal: https://map.barrowcouncil.gov.uk/vision‑pins

by engaging early and sharing clear, evidence‑based ideas, Barrow residents can directly influence the future shape of their town centre and ensure that the revitalisation reflects the community’s unique character and aspirations.