A NEW Barrow hotel is set to open its doors by the end of the year.

Holiday Inn Express has confirmed the ongoing work to build a new hotel and restaurant on the corner of Market Street and Duke Street should be complete by late 2019.

A spokeswoman for Holiday Inn Express said: "The Holiday Inn Express Barrow is set to open towards the end of this year."

The development which saw the old police station demolished in order to make room for the new 127-bed hotel, will help the town centre 'regenerate' according to Stuart Klosinski, programme manager for the Furness Economic Development Forum.

Mr Klosinski said: "I think the new hotel will firstly begin the regeneration of the south west side of the town centre.

"It could be the start of more development on Market Street and Duke Street.

"It adds significantly to Barrow's accommodations offering and restaurants.

He also said: "It could act as a catalyst for other leisure developments across the town.

"25 jobs will also be created for local people when the hotel opens.

"I think it will encourage more people to use the forum as more people will be able to stay overnight after shows and this will also benefit the night time economy.

He went on to explain how more overnight facilities would allow visitors coming in to the town to extend their stays.