Barrow’s town deal board will finalise a slimmed down list of projects as it targets millions of pounds from the government.

The town could secure as much as £25m of investment to help transform Barrow as part of the nationwide Town Deal initiative.

Barrow Council leader Ann Thomson believes the creation of a university campus is the “most vital” of the 14 project options in order to retain young skilled workers and attract well-paid jobs.

The projects cover everything from improved transport exchanges to new housing developments and moving the long-hoped-for marina development forward.

Ms Thomson said: “Higher education is vital, we don’t have a great retention of young people in Barrow who go to university so a campus would be magnificent and wonderful.

"Being able to take young people with us, and having them being able to access to more skilled and technology-based jobs in the area rather than them draining away.

"To have a skills hub like a campus means we can attract other people in and make higher education available to everyone, not just the chosen few.”

The leader, who sits on the board, chaired by Steve Cole of BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, also highlighted the community resilience hub and marina village as central projects she would be supporting.

She added: “Our staff have done a marvellous job in getting the projects outlined so quickly and we’re very lucky to be in the first line of areas available for this funding, one of only six in the north-west.

“I was concerned the project may be slowed down because of coronavirus but the messaged we’ve had is the reverse, hopefully it will help kick start our recovery. It will be great if we get the money for the marina, de-contaminate the site and get housing built on there.

“I’m hoping the short list includes the majority of the projects but in total they would cost £60m so there will need to be some slimming down with only £25m of funding available.”

The Town Deal board will be assessing the responses from the public engagement process in an online meeting from 10am as they narrow the long list to a final short list to spearhead Barrow’s funding bid. But the feedback forms online will still be open for any last minute suggestions.

Barrow is one of 100 towns than can bid for up to £25m of funding, with the government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund, announced last year.

Other areas in Cumbria shortlisted for the funding are Carlisle, Workington, Cleator Moor and Millom.

Some of the public engagement events have been affected by the current lockdown but there has still been hundreds of Barrow responses, including 58 through the government’s online survey page.

Suggestions by Barrovians include designated cycle lanes, greener transport links, a sports stadium and an entertainment centre including a complex for mini-golf, bowling and younger people.

Chairman Steve Cole said: “The responses we have had from the people of Barrow so far has been great. Lots of residents and business owners have been keen to have their say on the list of proposals and have given their feedback either through the #BrilliantBarrow website or on social channels.

"We are today shining a spotlight on the list of proposed projects because we want to make sure as many people as possible are aware of what we are trying to achieve for our town."