Members endorse funding bid to upgrade town centre green space

An existing green space in the centre of Barrow could be upgraded to help boost levels of health and wellbeing in the community if a funding bid to Government is successful. A bid was submitted by…

An existing green space in the centre of Barrow could be upgraded to help boost levels of health and wellbeing in the community if a funding bid to Government is successful.

A bid was submitted by Barrow Borough Council to the Levelling Up Parks Fund, which will see individual grants of £85,000 given to eligible towns to improve existing green spaces and park areas.

Following site visits and engagement with local ward members, green space at Argyle Place, in Barrow’s Central Ward, was identified as a site suitable for the funding. If awarded, the grant would be used to create a vibrant, safe and welcoming green space for people of all ages.

Members of Barrow Borough Council’s Executive Committee endorsed the submission of the bid at a meeting held yesterday (Wednesday, October 12).

Councillor Derek Brook, Barrow Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community, said, “The decision was made that the park in Argyle Street met the criteria set by Government and would be ideal for this funding.

“Having access to parks and green spaces is something that comes with a number of known health and community benefits.

“We want to make this park more accessible for all and to make it a place that everyone can enjoy.”

The purpose of the Levelling Up Parks Fund is to create a new or significantly refurbished green space in urban areas that need it most. Of the allocated £85k given, £19k will be allocated to planting trees.

If the funding bid is confirmed by Government, Barrow Borough Council will commission a landscape architect to prepare a design for Argyle Place following consultation with local councillors and engagement events with the Central Ward community. Barrow Council will be engaging with residents and community groups around Argyle Place in the run up to Christmas to give them the opportunity to influence the design.

Work on site could get underway in the New Year with the project completed by March 2023.