Fire-Damaged Barrow Takeaway to Become 9 Bedroom HMO
A fire-damaged Grade II listed building in Barrow is set to be converted into a nine-bedroom house in multiple occupation.
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans for the upper floors of 81 Duke Street, formerly known as Antalya Takeaway, to be turned into rented accommodation.
The building was badly damaged by a fire in May 2021, which required seven fire crews to bring it under control. Since then, the prominent corner property has needed major restoration work.
Historic Building to Be Brought Back Into Use
The property sits on the corner of Duke Street and is part of Barrow’s historic town centre.
As a Grade II listed building, its appearance and character are important. Any changes must be handled carefully to make sure the building is not damaged or altered in a way that harms its historic value.
The approved plans are intended to bring the building back into use while keeping much of its original appearance. This will include replacing fire-damaged windows and doors on a like-for-like basis.
A new shop front has also been approved, which should improve the appearance of the ground floor.
Nine Rooms Planned Above Restaurant and Takeaway
Under the approved scheme, the first and second floors will be converted into a nine-bedroom HMO.
Each rented room will have its own en-suite bathroom and WC. Tenants will also share a communal kitchen, living space and utility room.
The ground floor will remain in commercial use as a restaurant and takeaway. This means the building will continue to have a business presence at street level, while the upper floors will be used for accommodation.
Concerns Over HMO Conversions
While the plans will restore a damaged building, the HMO element may raise concerns for some residents.
HMOs can provide cheaper accommodation for single people and workers, but they are often controversial. In many towns, residents worry that more shared housing can put pressure on local streets.
A nine-bedroom HMO can mean more people living in one building than a traditional flat or family home. This can lead to concerns about noise, bins, parking, deliveries and general day-to-day disruption.
There is also a wider question about whether HMOs provide the kind of housing Barrow needs most. While they may offer lower-cost rooms, they are not always seen as a long-term solution for people who want secure, settled homes.
Council Conditions Added to Approval
The council has placed conditions on the development to help manage its impact.
These include the use of obscure glazing on certain windows to protect the privacy of neighbouring properties.
The takeaway and restaurant use will also need proper exhaust ventilation, so cooking smells are managed safely and do not cause problems for nearby residents or tenants living above.
Because the building will house several people, fire safety will also be especially important. HMOs must meet strict rules around alarms, escape routes, fire doors and general safety standards.
Balancing Restoration and Local Concerns
The approval marks a new chapter for the former Antalya Takeaway building.
On one hand, the plans should see a damaged listed property repaired and brought back into use. This is a positive step for a building that has stood in poor condition since the 2021 fire.
However, the decision also adds to the wider debate about HMO conversions in Barrow. Many people will welcome the restoration of the building, but there may still be concerns about the long-term impact of high-density rented accommodation in the town centre.
The success of the project will depend on how well the property is restored, managed and maintained once tenants move in.
