Town Centre bench design marks 50 years of Nuclear Submarine Building

Barrow celebrates 50 years of Nuclear Submarine Building for the Royal Navy with the unveiling of the Dreadnought Benches in Barrow Town Centre by a former Captain of Dreadnought, Rear Admiral Paddy O’Riordan and the Mayor and Mayoress of Barrow-in-Furness, Councillor Rory and Mrs Wendy McClure. The Dreadnought Association, comprising former crew members who served on the boat, will also be present as guests of Barrow Borough Council.

The idea for the Dreadnought bench came from researching the industrial heritage of Barrow to inform the design of the bespoke street furniture. The bench was one of several ideas to be included in the scheme based on the themes of Barrow’s maritime and industrial heritage. Other items included the capstan bollard and the LED ‘wave’ lighting set into the paving. The designs were produced by Capita Symonds.

The bench on Dalton Road nearest the ship yard will have a plaque installed to mark the Anniverary. The plaque has been produced by Castle Fine Arts Foundry Ltd of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Nr Oswestry, Powys and features Dreadnought’s ship’s crest.

HMS Dreadnought was the first Nuclear submarine built for the Royal Navy and was launched by the Queen on Trafalgar Day 1960.

Terry Spurling of the Dreadnought Association commented “I think the Dreadnought Association and Nuclear Submariners in general are very appreciative of the efforts of Barrow Borough Council to recognise this milestone in the town and submarine histories.”

Steve Solsby, the Council’s Assistant Director of Regeneration commented “Barrow Borough Council secured £3.59m from the North West Development Agency to repave and enhance the street scene within the Civic Spine of the Town Centre. The opportunity was taken to commission a bespoke design for the street furniture to mark the town’s links with submarine building.”