Mayor & Mayoress of Barrow open The Mall

Barrow's Mayor and Mayoress are due to open the newly refurbished Mall tommorrow, Wednesday 6 October after extensive improvment work has taken place.

The improvements to the Mall include:

• Replacement of existing paving with light grey granite slabs

• Ceiling removal and replacement with fire protection including cladding to the existing shop fronts and shop front improvements to four shop units

• Provision of a new LED energy efficient lighting scheme

• Gates to both ends of the Mall, with CCTV. The night-time security gates (supported by the Police) have a strong design element linking with the Ginnell, Forum and Furness House

• 12 No. exhibition boxes contained in a feature wall opposite the entrance to the Indoor Market Hall

A number of local companies have been utilised: Capita Symonds (Consultant), Chris Brammall, Schofield Construction, Caulfield Electrical, Lumier, Furness Plastics, Edmundson’s and City Electrical Factors.

The following north western companies were also involved with the project: Askam Construction Ltd (Main Contractor), Gledhill Construction Ltd, FTS Fire and Security and Grafix Signs.

Mr. Steve Solsby, Assistant Director of Regeneration commented “£250 000 was provided by Barrow Regeneration with NWDA funding and Barrow Borough Council provided £250 000 of capital funding. Investment in the Town Centre is a critical element in the regeneration of Barrow. The restoration and improvement of the covered thoroughfare also relates to other important initiatives (Housing Market Renewal and the Townscape Heritage Initiative) and opportunities within the town by also addressing the key strategic routes and gateways into the town by linking the town centre with the Waterfront Barrow proposals and the town’s waterfront.”

The Mall has been one of three improvement schemes recently completed by the Borough Council to complement the funding secured by the Borough Council for the town centre improvement works along Dalton Road/Portland Walk. All the highway works were carried out under a legal agreement between Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.

The Market Traders and the Barrow Traders Association welcome the improvements, meeting the need to create a more friendly environment and with a view to increasing footfall and creating an enhanced shopping environment.

Barrow Market offers customers excellent value, choice and customer service and the diversity of stalls and the quality of goods available help make it attractive to local shoppers and visitors.