Port regeneration moving closer

How the Waterfront development will look

A multi-million pound transformation of one of Cumbria's ports is set to take a major step forward.

An area known as the Waterfront in Barrow has been earmarked for a major regeneration programme which planners hope will attract 1,000 jobs.

Council bosses are now considering buying 31.37 hectares (77.5 acres) of land from Associated British Ports.

The planned £18m business park development will provide industrial and commercial development land.

Tim Heslop, from Cumbria County Council, said: "We are now entering an exciting phase in the development of a project that will revitalise the port area of Barrow-in-Furness.

"When complete, the Waterfront business park is expected to create 1,000 new jobs and add another 500,000sq ft of industrial and commercial space.

"It will become part of the area's economic lifeblood."