A PROMINENT shop in Barrow’s town centre is to be transformed into a new charity shop.

St Mary’s Hospice has announced its plans to convert Store Twenty One into Re:Love, a ‘fresh’ and ‘exciting’ new charity shop.

Announcing the new move, a spokesperson said: “We’re Re:Love by St Mary’s Hospice and we believe that charity retail doesn’t have to mean a second class shopping experience.

“Re:Love by St Mary’s Hospice is new, fresh, exciting and about to turn shopping in Barrow on its head.

“We believe our customers deserve the best, a stylish, cutting edge shopfloor, warm and friendly customer service, excellent value for money and good quality stock replenished daily.

“Charity doesn’t have to mean dark, damp, smelly, it can also be vibrant, fun and funky.

“Re:Love by St Mary’s Hospice opening soon in Barrow town Centre (the old Store 21), you won’t be able to resist.”

According to Barrow Business Improvement District (BID), the store will be furnished to a high standard both inside and out and will be in keeping with other high street stores in the surrounding area.

Barrow BID Manager Colin Garnett met with Caroline Welch from St Mary’s Hospice to find out about their vision for the store and to see their progress.

“I was very impressed with their vision for the store,” said Mr Garnett.

“At first I was worried that another charity shop would be brand damaging to Portland Walk, which is already going through a transformation in business occupancy.

“Caroline showed me the designs for the store layout, brand and exterior and I knew straight away that the new store would be a real asset to Barrow town centre.

“I hope you all give it a chance and visit when it opens.”

Mr Garnett was apparently impressed with the standard of the shop’s refit and looked forward to seeing the building’s new lease of life.

Store Twenty One closed in 2016 and has remained empty ever since, however the upper floor of the building has been converted into new residential apartments.