A former arts venue in Barrow will be transformed into shops and offices after plans were approved by Councillors yesterday.

The Canteen Media and Arts Centre, in Michaelson Road, Barrow Island, is to undergo a major revamp as plans will be put in place to improve the commercial value of the premises following a meeting of Barrow Borough Council's Planning Committee at Barrow Town Hall yesterday.

Under the plans, the ground floor will feature two retail outlets, which are as yet unspecified, with office space to occupy the hall, basement and upper storeys of the premises.

Chair of the planning committee, Councillor Ann Thomson, said: "The building right now is all boarded up and it has been an eyesore.

"I think that any improvement to the building will be a great improvement for the area."

"Anything to bring these old buildings back to life instead of knocking them down just to make car parks will be much more useful for people."

Before it closed in September 2010, The Canteen had attracted household acts such as Enter Shikari, Idlewild and British Sea Power.

It was also a well-known venue for up-and-coming comic talent, and played host to the likes of John Bishop and Kevin Bridges as they both pursued their stand-up careers.

More recently the building had been renamed The Porthole, and had been used as a rehearsal and recording space before it closed.

Shepherd Architecture and Surveying, said in a statement to Barrow Borough Council prior to the meeting: "The proposal will breath new life into a much-loved landmark, which has grown into a state of disrepair, by improving the commercial viability of the premises."


READ MORE:  Memories of The Canteen in it's heyday