Council Cabinet Approves Demolition of Barrow Market and Forum
Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet has voted to demolish Barrow Market and the Forum. Marking a major step in the town’s planned regeneration.
The decision was made at a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 17 March, where councillors agreed that the buildings should be cleared as part of the wider Heart of Barrow transformation programme.
£11 Million Allocated for Demolition and Early Works
As part of the wider regeneration funding, around £11 million has been allocated towards demolition and early enabling works on the site.
This sits within a much larger Phase 1 investment package of around £35 million. Which includes demolition, land preparation and temporary uses for the town centre.
The demolition contract itself is expected to cost around £6.6 million. Covering both the design phase and the physical demolition work.
Two-Stage Demolition Process
The demolition will take place in two stages:
- Stage 1 – Design phase: detailed planning, surveys and preparation work
- Stage 2 – Demolition phase: full removal of the Forum and market buildings
The final demolition cost may be adjusted once the design stage is complete, particularly if additional risks or structural issues are identified.
Why Demolition Was Approved
The council said the buildings are no longer viable due to:
- structural deterioration
- ongoing maintenance issues
- safety concerns, including asbestos risks
A report to cabinet concluded that demolition is “operationally necessary” to remove risk, rather than simply a redevelopment choice.
What Happens Next
Following approval, the council will move ahead with:
- appointing a demolition contractor
- completing the design phase
- preparing the site for future redevelopment
Demolition is expected to form part of Phase 1 works, with further long-term redevelopment plans to follow in later phases.
Wider Regeneration Plans
The demolition is one part of a much larger vision to transform Barrow town centre.
Future plans for the site include:
- new housing and employment opportunities
- cultural and leisure facilities
- a temporary “market village” and events space while redevelopment is planned
The regeneration programme is part of a wider £200 million investment in Barrow over the next decade, delivered through the Team Barrow partnership.
A Turning Point for Barrow
The cabinet decision represents a significant turning point for Barrow.
While the move is seen by some as necessary to unlock investment, others remain concerned about the loss of long-standing community and cultural spaces.
With funding now allocated and approval granted, demolition is set to move forward, bringing both immediate change and the promise of longer-term transformation.
