CULTURAL and high-end events will come to Barrow's town centre thanks to new Government funding of over £1 million - given to the town to help with declining footfall and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

£1.1 million of the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is delivered by Historic England, will be going to help Barrow and a number of streets in the town centre.

Colin Garnett, Barrow BID manager, said: “Barrow BID were part of the application process for the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) scheme and worked in partnership with Barrow Borough Council officers who produced an excellent application.

"Barrow BID were asked to be a match funder on the scheme, which enhanced the scheme and enabled us to draw down £1.1m to regenerate and transform Ramsden Square, Duke Street and Cornwallis Street. Barrow BID has committed £15k to the scheme in 2020/21 and will commit a further £15k if we are voted in for a second term from 2021 – 2026 and we see this financial investment as a way off offering our BID levy payers in the HAZ area value for money, as it has been used to lever in a considerable amount of funding.

"The HAZ scheme will enable businesses in the area to apply for Business Premises Grants, which will mean that we now close our Barrow BID Business Premises Grant scheme to businesses in the HAZ area, as they will be able to apply for greater funding using the HAZ scheme.

"We will be working closely with the council and encouraging local businesses to take advantage of the scheme and improve their business premises or make the most of the available floor space they own.

"The HAZ scheme will also support a range of cultural events in the area and we look forward to working with Barrow Borough Council and other partners to bring high-end events to Barrow town centre once the COVID pandemic has eased and we can get back to some normality.

"We would like to thank Helen Houston and her team at Barrow Borough Council for their efforts on the HAZ scheme and we hope that it will go some way to preserving and improving the heritage of Duke Street and the town centre.”

When the announcement happened, councillor Helen Wall, Barrow Borough Council spokesperson for heritage, said: “I am thrilled that Barrow has secured Historic England funding.

"I am thrilled that Barrow has secured this Historic England funding. The small heritage team at the town hall has worked really hard on the bid and I heartily congratulate them.

"Barrow has a unique history, full of character, and the many listed buildings in the town centre reflect that.

“The Re:discover Barrow project will help ensure Duke Street plays a renewed role in bringing people to the town centre to enjoy, celebrate and learn about this important part of our town and the role it has played in the development of Barrow over the years.”