Dock regeneration plan confirmed

The plans are aimed at ending Barrow's reliance on the shipyard

Port bosses have reaffirmed multi-million pound plans to revamp the dockland area of Barrow in Cumbria.

In its interim statement, Associated British Ports (ABP), which owns the Barrow site, said it was committed to a new marina and cruise ship terminal.

A 400-acre site, covering Barrow Port and Barrow Island, has been earmarked for the £100m project which aims to create hundreds of new jobs.

ABP says it is working with Barrow Council and regeneration agencies.

Among the projects included in the regeneration plan is a residential development, cruise ship terminal, marina and leisure and sports facilities.

Major role

In 2003, BAE Systems announced it was laying off 700 workers and moving the programme to build Royal Navy destroyers from Barrow to Scotland.

A spokesman for ABP said: "At Barrow, ABP is working closely with Barrow Borough Council to play a major role in the regeneration of Barrow.

"It is also working in partnership with West Lakes Renaissance, Northwest Development Agency and Furness Enterprise towards the regeneration of under-utilised areas of the port in order to benefit the local economy.

"As such, plans are in place to develop a new marina, business park and cruise-ship terminal.

"Barrow is also playing a leading role in the many renewable-energy projects planned for the Irish Sea."