BUSINESSES have expressed interest in taking over Barrow's former M&S store, it is claimed.

MP Simon Fell said entrepreneurs in the area had discussed with him the idea of moving into the space.

Marks and Spencer ceased trading from its store in Dalton Road in 2020 and the space has stood vacant ever since.

It comes amid hopes that Barrow town centre will be boosted by BAE's Portland Walk campus and the development of Barrow Market.

M&S and the more recently closed former Wilko store in Duke Street stand as the major empty shops in the town centre.

But Mr Fell said he was optimistic the town centre was on the up.

"The turnaround of Dalton Road was always going to be incremental," he said.

"Personally I think we've now got the right ingredients to make it happen, with the new BAE campus in Portland Walk increasing footfall in town dramatically, the £16 million levelling up
Investment in the Forum and Market improving our shopping areas, and the new university campus (funded through the £25 million Town Deal awarded by this Government) beginning to take shape and which will bring students to town, but it's going to be baby steps for a while.

"I've spoken to local entrepreneurs who are interested that space and other vacant shops.

"Given the scale of investment coming to Furness and the certainty of the work programme, I'm hopeful we'll see the high street start to turn around. "

The space was listed for rent with property agents Savills in 2021 although it appears there are no active listings for the unit.

A previous listing said: "The premises occupy a prominent location with triple frontage to Dalton Road and entrances from Scott Street and Buccleuch Street.

"Situated in a good location on pedestrianised Dalton Road, close to Portland Walk, with nearby occupiers including Trespass, Greggs, Costa Coffee, Holland & Barrett and McDonald's.

"The property is arranged over two floors, being well configured with a clear layout and suitable for a variety of uses."

BAE's Portland Walk campus is under construction with a careers hub already in operation.