A SHORTLIST containing the proposed projects which could help to transform Barrow for future generations was announced yesterday.

Fourteen schemes seeking to improve the town were launched through the #BrilliantBarrow #MyTown initiative last month.

Following feedback from the public, seven of those have now been chosen for further development as part of a bid for £25 million of funding from the government.

Barrow is one of 101 towns selected to bid for £25 million in government cash as part of the Town Deal initiative and must make its case to the government soon.

Steve Cole, Chief Infrastructure Officer at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions and chairperson of the Town Deal Board which has been set up to spearhead Barrow’s bid for the funding, said: "We have taken an important step forward in the Town Deal process.

"Having listened to the feedback from members of the public we have agreed on a shortlist of projects which we will now further develop to see how they might form a part of our final submission to government.

"Your voices have been heard through the #BrilliantBarrow website and social media channels. Everyone's views were crucial in the shortlisting process – and I would like you all as residents and business owners of the town to once again help us shape our Town Deal plans.

"We will soon be sharing our further thoughts on the shortlisted projects and need as many people as possible to have their say.

"These are exciting times for Barrow as we plan for a very bright future."

Among the schemes chosen for development are the 'Barrow Learning Quarter' which would involve the creation of a new university campus, a 'Housing Renewal Scheme', 'Business Support' and development of the Marina.

A detailed business plan will now be developed around each one before the final bid is submitted to government this summer.

Full details of the schemes can be found on the #BrilliantBarrow website.

Visit: brilliantbarrow.org.uk