New Barrow Theatre Unlikely to Open Until the 2030s
A permanent replacement for The Forum in Barrow is unlikely to be completed until the 2030s, with the wider town-centre regeneration programme expected to continue until 2035.
The Forum and the neighbouring indoor market hall are due to be demolished after surveys identified serious problems with the buildings, including asbestos.
However, there is still no firm guarantee that the redevelopment will include a new theatre.
Team Barrow has described a replacement venue as a shared ambition, but the final design, funding and operating model have not yet been agreed.
Barrow Town Centre Regeneration Timeline
The Heart of Barrow programme is expected to be delivered in several stages over the next decade.
| Stage | Expected date |
|---|---|
| Public engagement on masterplan | October 2026 |
| Enabling work begins | Late 2026 |
| Temporary cultural programme starts | From 2027 |
| Forum and market demolition begins | By early 2028 |
| Main construction starts | Late 2028 or early 2029 |
| Full regeneration completed | By 2035 |
Council officers have said temporary arrangements may be needed for around five years. This suggests a permanent venue would not be ready until the early 2030s at the soonest.
The exact order in which different parts of the redevelopment will be built has not been confirmed.
No Firm Guarantee of a Replacement Theatre
The Forum has been an important venue for shows, performances and community events in Barrow.
Its closure and planned demolition have therefore caused concern among residents, theatre groups and local representatives.
Team Barrow has said arts and culture will remain central to the redevelopment. Its long-term vision could include a new theatre alongside homes, shops, commercial units, public spaces and parking.
However, a Westmorland and Furness Council spokesperson confirmed that there is not yet a definite guarantee of a new theatre.
The council is also considering how any future venue could be operated.
Officials have suggested that a traditional council-run theatre requiring a large annual subsidy may not be financially sustainable. Alternative options could include a venue managed by a charity, trust or another independent organisation.
These discussions will continue while the masterplan and business case are developed.
What Will Replace The Forum in the Meantime?
Team Barrow has agreed an initial £22.9 million investment from the Barrow Transformation Fund for the first phase of the Heart of Barrow programme.
More than half of this funding is expected to support arts, culture and entertainment.
Temporary and short-term plans are expected to include:
- A large temporary event space similar to venues used during the Edinburgh Fringe.
- A new market village to replace the current temporary market.
- Improvements to public spaces around Barrow Town Hall.
- Changes to the town hall to support community and cultural activities.
- A new lighting and public art programme across the town centre.
The market village is expected to provide space for existing traders, new independent businesses and community events.
These facilities are intended to bridge the gap while the permanent town-centre redevelopment is designed and constructed.
Demolition Will Follow Public Consultation
The council says demolition will not begin until the town-centre masterplan has been shared with the public.
A two-day engagement event is planned for October 2026. Residents will be able to view the proposals, ask questions and provide feedback.
Further details about the venue and times are expected to be announced soon.
Subject to planning permission, demolition should begin by early 2028. Construction could then start later in 2028 or during early 2029.
A Long Wait for Barrow
The promise of temporary events and cultural facilities will provide some activity during the redevelopment. However, residents could still face several years without a permanent professional theatre.
The lack of a firm commitment is also likely to remain a concern. While Team Barrow wants a new theatre “of some kind”, its size, facilities, location, management and opening date remain undecided.
The full Heart of Barrow scheme is due to be finished by 2035, meaning the final result could still be almost a decade away.
The latest phase-one plans are available through Team Barrow
