PLANS have been revealed for the former Topshop store in Barrow.

New proposals have been put forward to keep the ground floor of the shop and turn the upper floors into flats.

The shop in Portland Walk closed in March, followed by the nearby River Island shortly after.

Plans have now been submitted to Barrow Council to add five one-bedroom flats to the unit.

A statement making up the plans said: "The proposed development seeks to retain the ground floor as Al retail space with an increased area of 203m' along with reconfigured storage and welfare facilities.

"Both existing internal staircases will removed and access to the first floor residential units will be from the adjacent unit (No 26 Portland Walk).

"The appearance of the building is to remain largely unchanged. Access to the retail premises is to remain from Portland Walk with no changes. The existing opaque glazing to the two arched windows above the retail entrance is to be partially changed to transparent double glazing.

"The rear accesses from the premises to Preston Street is to be retained for use by the ground floor commercial unit.

"Two white uPVC double glazed windows are to be added to the first floor overlooking William Street."

The plans also say that the new flats will not come with additional parking because of their central location.

"Unit 10 was previously occupied by Topshop until they closed in March 2020," the planing statements adds.

"A reduction in the total floor area of the retail premises will allow for lower rental rates for smaller business to make use of.

"The development will increase the number of individuals living within the town centre, supporting local businesses and bring a currently vacant property back into use."

Housing plans have also been put forward for the former Officer Club clothes shop next door.

A proposal has been submitted to turn the first floor of the empty unit into five self contained flats.