PAST pupils, teachers and members of the public enjoyed a final glimpse around a former school building as plans for its transformation went on display.

Organisers say the exhibition on the proposal to create a new multi-million pound GP super surgery on the Alfred Barrow School site was a great success - with scores of people attending.

There was also a public exhibition at The Forum in Barrow displaying how the new primary care centre could look if the scheme is given the go-ahead by Barrow Borough Council's planning chiefs.

Lead GP for Furness on Cumbria's clinical commissioning group, Dr Geoff Jolliffe, was on hand to chat to visitors.

Dr Jolliffe, a partner at Risedale Surgery, in Gloucester Street, said: "It was a really busy couple of days talking to people about the plans.

"There was a great atmosphere at the school on Saturday as people were reminiscing about their time there - hopefully the next time we are showing people around the new centre it will be built and it will be a bit warmer."

The open day was arranged by the team planning to develop the site as a new £12m centre.

They said the feedback from patients and those living near to the proposed location was "largely positive" - though some concerns were raised about parking and accessibility.

Tours of the school were undertaken by John Eccles, who hosts The Friends of Alfs Facebook group.

Visitors took the opportunity to take photographs, meet friends and past colleagues while enjoying a trip down memory lane.

Dr Jolliffe added: "Many thanks to John Eccles and all the other staff and volunteers who helped with those final tours around the old Alfred School site. We are very aware of the building’s history and we’ll be keeping the

community informed of our progress.

"People seemed really happy that we are incorporating the design of the old building into the new centre which will be a modern building bringing together three GP surgeries as well as other services in modern facilities."

A total of three GP practices are expected to relocate to the new centre if it receives the go-ahead, including Abbey Road Surgery, Atkinson Health Centre and Risedale Surgery.

There would also be a response base for the North West Ambulance Service, Cumbria CCG and a range of specialist clinics and community services.