AN ambitious project to renovate and upgrade two Grade II Listed Buildings in Barrow to provide a modern creative hub has been given the go-ahead.

Signal Film and Media, a charitable organisation, has been granted Listed Building Consent and planning approval by Barrow Borough Council for a series of external and internal alterations to 102 and 104 Abbey Road, known as Cooke’s Studios.

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

It also said that the organisation suffers from a lack of knowledge of what Cooke’s Studios contains.

"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," said planning documents.

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, and having taken over 102 Abbey Road, the charity has stated the aims of the 'rejuvenation' of the property.

"The project will transform what is currently an underutilised ground floor with low permeability to the public, and confusing layout, into a welcoming public entrance that is accessible to all, with a new reception, exhibition space, and cafe," said the report.

READ MORE: Plans afoot to renovate 'unwelcoming' creative arts centre after funding award

"The ground floor layout will be altered to make better use of space, providing access to new WCs in support of the new public spaces to be created and maintain an area of lettable space.”

The proposed works will alter the front facade, removing part of the glazed frontage, and installing sliding automatic doors, as well as creating internal access between the two properties.

The statement goes on to say: "This project will turn the disparate buildings of 102 Abbey Road into a multi-purpose, creative community venue – a space for our town's most disadvantaged people to come together, learn, and grow through the enjoyment of film, music, dance, theatre, digital media, and their shared heritage.

"It will breathe new life into a once-proud Victorian building in the centre of Barrow to help our community to recover and thrive."