A CREATIVE centre in Barrow is set to receive nearly half a million pounds in investment from Arts Council England.

Signal Film and Media have been awarded £490,000 of capital funding from Arts Council England to transform Cooke’s Studios in Barrow into an accessible, public centre for culture and creative participation.

The two inter-joining Grade-II Listed Victorian buildings which make up Cooke’s Studios will benefit from improved accessibility including a new entrance and ‘welcome’ area.

There will also be a museum-standard gallery space, cafe and creative practitioner studios. The attic space will be transformed into a flexible workspace for artists and the brick-arched basement will be investigated as a potential lo-fi performance venue.

Signal Film and Media co-director Kerry Kolbe said: “We’re so delighted to secure this funding for Barrow. Over 700 organisations from all over England applied and we are one of just 66 places to have been awarded a grant.

"It’s great that Arts Council England has seen the potential in Barrow and invested in the town.”

As part of Arts Council England’s 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, more than £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country, including Signal Film And Media.

The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact.

From Barrow to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

Signal Film and Media co-director Loren Slater said: “We want to make a space that everyone is proud of and can enjoy.

"Cooke’s Studios is home to all sorts of creative activities; dance, music, animation, film, photography, radio, theatre and poetry. All of those things will become much more accessible to everyone once the buildings are opened up with a new welcome area, gallery, performance spaces and cafe.”

Now that funding has been awarded, Signal Film and Media can begin to develop their vision for the buildings and work towards a refurbishment start date in summer 2023. Cooke’s Studios is expected to be fully opened to the public by summer 2024.

Darren Henley, chief executive, Arts Council England said: “World-class creativity and culture needs a resilient and sustainable infrastructure to allow it to flourish.

"With these investments in the buildings, equipment, and digital systems of cultural organisations across England, we are helping to secure the future of that infrastructure, and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come.”

Mayor of Barrow Councillor Helen Wall said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Barrow. Signal Film and Media's plans for Cooke's Studios will provide an impressive venue to showcase local talent and support a wide range of creative learning and careers. It's great news."