Changes to the boundary of Central Barrow’s conservation area have been approved by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The conservation area covers some of the town’s most recognisable streets and buildings, including parts of Duke Street and Abbey Road. It was first created in 2005 to help protect the historic character of central Barrow.
The council has now agreed to update the boundary after a public consultation and a review of how the area has changed over the last two decades. Nine main boundary changes were put forward, with the council saying they were widely accepted.
Why the boundary is changing
Central Barrow Conservation Area was created to recognise the town’s special architectural and historic interest.
The area reflects Barrow’s rapid growth during the 19th century, when the town expanded around industry, shipbuilding and planned streets. The conservation area includes civic buildings, terraces, retail streets and important public spaces that help tell that story.
However, parts of the town centre have changed since the boundary was first drawn up in 2005. Some buildings and areas now make a stronger contribution to the town’s historic character, while others no longer fit the purpose of the conservation area.
Cllr Vicky Hughes, cabinet member for planning and active wellbeing, told councillors that the scale of change over the last 20 years meant the boundary was no longer fully reflective of the area.
Areas being added
Several places will now be brought into the conservation area.
These include Coronation Gardens, which has been recognised as a high-quality green space. Bringing it into the conservation area gives it extra protection and reflects its value as part of the town centre.
Cavendish Street is also being included because of buildings with architectural interest, including the former Roxy Cinema. The street is seen as an important part of Barrow’s historic townscape.
The King’s Arms pub will also be added because of the contribution it makes to the setting of Schneider Square.
Other additions include the Alfred Barrow Health Centre and School Building, along with buildings on Michaelson Road.
Areas being removed
Some areas will be taken out of the conservation boundary.
These include terraces on Hawke Street, which the council said did not offer specific architectural interest.
The Holiday Inn and Sofa Group building will also be removed from the conservation area, as they were not considered to make a specific contribution to its character.
Other exclusions include lower-quality buildings on Hindpool Road and modern retail units around Abbey Road South.
What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is a place considered to have special architectural or historic interest. The aim is not to stop change, but to make sure future changes respect the character of the area.
This can affect how buildings are altered, how new development is designed and how historic features are protected.
For Barrow, the conservation area is especially important because the town centre still shows many signs of its rapid industrial growth. Its wide streets, civic buildings, terraced housing and links to the docks all form part of that story.
The updated appraisal says the area captures the “boom-town” spirit of the mid-19th century and includes key landmarks such as Barrow Town Hall, St Mary’s Church, Ramsden Square and Schneider Square.
A wider plan for Barrow town centre
The boundary changes form part of wider work to review and manage the Central Barrow Conservation Area.
The council’s appraisal and management plan looks at the area’s history, important buildings, public spaces, key views and sites that may need improvement. It also gives guidance for future development, shopfronts, demolition, public art, green space and protecting historic features.
The aim is to make sure regeneration and development support the town’s character, rather than weaken it.
This matters because Barrow town centre is likely to see more change in the coming years. Having an up-to-date conservation boundary gives clearer guidance on which areas should be protected, improved or treated with special care.
Decision approved
Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet agreed to the proposed boundary changes.
The decision means the conservation area will now better reflect the parts of central Barrow that contribute to its historic and architectural character today.
For residents and businesses, the changes may mean extra planning considerations in newly included areas. However, the council says conservation areas are designed to manage change, not prevent it.
The updated boundary is intended to protect the most important parts of Barrow’s town centre while allowing future improvements to be made in a way that respects the town’s history.
