THE Barrow skyline is set to be transformed with an ambitious six-year plan to reclad the entire Devonshire Dock Hall.

BAE Systems has submitted a planning application to Barrow Borough Council to reclad the DDH as the 'existing exterior has exceeded its intended design life'.

The existing beige covering is in clear need of a facelift and the new cladding will add a 25-year extension to the exterior.

The innovative design makes heavy use of polycarbonate translucent panels

The plans also reveal new rooftop windows will be added in order to increase the amount of natural light inside the DDH.

Stuart Klosinski from regeneration body the Furness Economic Development Forum said the work will 'transform the Barrow skyline'.

"The project will generate construction jobs, accommodation demand, need for cladding storage areas, it also needs to be delivered whilst maintaining operational integrity of the DDH," he added.

The DDH was built in 1986 and is the second largest indoor shipbuilding facility in Europe.

The building is 51 metres high and 260 metres long and covers 25,000 square metres.

In May 2017 BAE sought pre-planning application advice from the council about its proposal to reclad the DDH.

Planning officers recognised that the DDH was 'a landmark building which is visible for several miles' and 'urged caution on the level of translucent materials in order to minimise light pollution'.

Construction work for the recladding will involve 17 two-way HGV journeys a day for the first five years.

Engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV is behind the plans.

The Netherlands-based company has more than 70 years’ experience of planning, engineering and procuring successful shipyards across the globe.

If the application is given the green light by the council the work is expected to start in 2021 and be completed by 2027.

Highways and Natural England will be consulted.