First Phase of Ormsgill Family Centre Revamp Completed in Barrow
The first phase of a major refurbishment project at Ormsgill Family Centre in Barrow has now been completed.
The centre, based at Ormsgill Community Centre on Millstone Avenue, has undergone a full refurbishment as part of a wider improvement project led by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The work has included new heating and electrical systems, upgraded facilities, and improved safeguarding and security measures. The project has been funded through the council’s capital programme.
A second phase is also planned. This will involve demolishing a neighbouring building which has been vacant for many years and is no longer fit for purpose. It will be replaced with a new cushioned outdoor play space for children and families.
What Has Been Improved?
The first phase focused on improving the main family centre building.
The completed work includes:
- new heating systems
- new electrical systems
- improved security
- better safeguarding measures
- upgraded facilities for families and staff
The aim is to create a safer, warmer and more welcoming space for people using the centre.
Family centres are important local services because they bring support together in one place. They can help children, young people, parents and carers access advice, activities and practical support closer to home.
Support for Children and Families
Ormsgill Best Start Family Hub is described as a community space where children, young people and families can access support, advice and local services in one place.
The service is designed to improve access to help and make it easier for families, professionals and local services to connect.
This can be especially useful for parents and carers who may not know where to turn for support, or who need help with several issues at once.
The refurbishment should make the building more suitable for this work and improve the experience for families who use it.
New Outdoor Play Space Planned
The next stage of the project will focus on the area around the centre.
A neighbouring building, which has been empty for many years, is set to be demolished. The council says it is no longer fit for purpose.
Once removed, the space will be used to create a new soft cushioned outdoor play area.
This will expand the centre’s outdoor facilities and give children and families another safe space to use.
Council Says Centre Will Be Safer and More Welcoming
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, welcomed the completion of the first phase.
She said the work would help create a modern, welcoming and safe environment for an important service supporting children and families.
The project also forms part of the council’s wider aim to keep its buildings to a good standard for the people who use them.
Why the Project Matters
The refurbishment is not just about updating a building.
For families in Ormsgill and the wider Barrow area, the centre provides access to support in a local setting. Better facilities can make those services easier to use and more comfortable for the people who rely on them.
The planned outdoor play space should also make the site more useful for children, giving families access to improved indoor and outdoor facilities.
With the first phase now complete, attention will turn to the next stage of the project and the creation of the new play area.
