A CREATIVE arts charity in Barrow is looking to unify and upgrade two listed buildings to create "one cohesive centre for arts and community work".

Signal Film and Media, a charity that runs Cooke's Studios from 102 and 104 Abbey Road, has submitted a Listed Building Consent and planning application to renovate and make alterations to the buildings, as it is currently "unwelcoming", and "a rabbit warren".

The charity were awarded £490,000 by Arts Council funding earlier this year for the planned renovation.

The Planning Statement says:

"Signal Film and Media has managed 104 Abbey Road for circa 12 years, with various spaces let to other third sector organisations based in Barrow at affordable rates.

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"They have more recently taken over 102 Abbey Road.

"It currently houses five of the town's most valued community groups working in the frontline with Barrow's hardest to reach and most vulnerable residents."

"However, due to the limited budgets, time constraints, and the fragmented sequence of development, the building's accessibility to the public is hampered by its current physical formation.

"Feedback from the community evidences a lack of knowledge of what's in the building, as a result of this layout, and, for those who do find their way in, problems with navigating it stemming from its poor design.

The statement says that the Arts Council funding would "allow the remaining undeveloped parts of 102 to be brought into use and for additional, more costly alterations to the buildings to be made to resolve critical issues with access, the entrance area, and space efficiency, allowing the buildings to operate as a single entity."

The proposed works will alter the front facade, removing part of the glazed frontage, and installing sliding automatic doors.

There will also be "alterations to the internal arrangement of the ground floor to form a reception area and cafe, and renovation of the basement and attic to create working spaces, and accessible toilet facilities."

The Statement of Need says: "These spaces and alterations will encourage the public to engage with the building and the work of Signal Film and Media and the other groups which occupy the building and other groups to hire the spaces, thereby reaching more local people and allowing the building to operate more effectively as a vibrant, creative community space."

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