AMBITIOUS plans to restore Barrow's history have been unveiled in a new proposal submitted to the council.

Two town centre shopfronts could be transformed with designs reminiscent of Barrow’s past thanks to a million-pound project.

In the plans prepared by Buttress Architects on behalf of Rory Wood for Barrow Borough Council, a probation office and a Chinese takeaway in Duke Street have been chosen to undergo the renovation.

This project is part of the Barrow High Street Heritage Action Zone bid, which aims to reinstate historic shop fronts, carry out building repairs, improve the public open space and deliver a series of cultural events over four years.

In 2020, Barrow Borough Council received funding of £1.1 million in 2020 from Historic England for their Re:discover Barrow project, and last year Duke Street received an additional funding of £100,000 for the plans.

READ MORE: Barrow high street awarded £100,000 by Historic England

This scheme is aiming to transform shop fronts on Duke Street to ensure they have a positive impact on the street scape and inspire continued sensitive development in the area.

In plans submitted to Barrow Borough Council, 77-79 Duke Street, which currently operates as a probation office, and 84 Duke Street, the Chinese takeaway ‘New Taste’, have been selected to undergo the historical transformation.

According to the plans, the shopfront of 77-79 Duke Street, which is a Grade-II listed building, will be restored and revitalised, with traditional shopfront elements reinstated.

New Accoya timber doors and window frames would be installed as well as new Victorian style awnings and external pendant lighting to match those shown in historic photos.

Materials will be painted in suitable ‘heritage’ colours, with darker olive green being the preferred option, and a ‘considered approach’ will be adopted to ensure the conservation of the historic fabric.

Similarly, 84 Duke Street will have a reinstated shopfront and the existing windows will be replaced in favour of sliding sashes, if plans are approved.

The new shop frontage will be in reference to examples represented around the town centre and based upon typical traditional detailing as seen in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th century.

Materials will be painted in suitable ‘heritage’ colours and signage will incorporate a level of consistency.