Market and theatre have 'reached end of life'
BBCA council has decided a town centre market and theatre building has reached "the end of life", with recent wet weather showing significant leaks.
Westmorland and Furness Council had detailed assessments carried out on Barrow market buildings and the Forum, which found it was "not viable" to retain them.
The assessment found reopening either or both would lead to extensive remedial works.
Liberal Democrat councillor Helen Chaffey, cabinet member for communities, said the "essential elements" of the theatre and market would form part of the plans for the redevelopment of the town centre.
She said: "We understand and recognise the importance of the Forum and market not only as an entertainment venue and a retail facility, but as much-loved and valued community spaces.
"The project to develop the long-term vision for the future of the town centre will continue to work closely with the community to ensure that the essential elements of the Forum and market offer will form part of the plans."
During recent wet weather, leaks in the market building brought forward plans to close the whole site.
The council said market traders would be supported over the coming weeks as "a sudden closure is never welcome".
'Must be brave'
In June, the council voted to reconsider plans to redevelop the town centre, as part of the Heart of Barrow project.
Funding worth £17.5m had been secured, but further cash was made available through a partnership between the council, the government and nuclear submarine builder BAE Systems, which employs about 14,500 people in the area.
Labour councillor Tony Callister said the project offered a "once-in-a-lifetime chance" to transform the town centre.
He said: "We must be brave while the longer-term transformation plans are being developed, our meanwhile offer remains imperative.
"It will be of the upmost importance that Barrow's town centre remains vibrant and appealing as a destination for both local residents and those travelling from further afield in the coming months and years while the exciting transformation work is under way."
