Plans to build a new eco-village on a derelict site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, have been revived after being put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Mail has reported.
Back in late March, architects and property developers visited the site, which is based on the former Salthouse Paper Mills in Barrow.
Plans for the redevelopment of the site, which was bought in 2018 by London-based property firm Hiltongrove, include the construction of 700 “low energy, high-quality” homes alongside new retail and leisure amenities.
Hiltongrove paid £500,000 to acquire the plot from Manchester-based developers Amstone, who had owned the site since 2008 and failed to develop the land or obtain planning permission to build on it.
At the time of purchase, Hiltongrove said that it wanted to transform the site into a “smart industrial area aimed at businesses who need significant storage facilities”, only to find their ambitions frustrated by the pandemic.
Now, Hiltongrove boss Guy Davis [pictured] has informed The Mail that the redevelopment is back on track and the development plans are in the process of being submitted to the local authority, Barrow Borough Council.
Davis commented: “I am delighted to be part of a team comprising the very best in class from the fields of architecture, urban planning, landscape design, engineering and more, with the collective task of seeking opportunity in Salthouse Mills.
“We are at the very start of an exciting journey to see what can be achieved, and more importantly, to understand what the local community would want from any potential development.
“We are not looking to submit plans to build another housing-only silo, but to create something unique and exciting. Something that we can look back and be proud of.”
Paying tribute to the local authority for their co-operation in proceedings, Davis added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the council’s positive ‘can-do’ attitude, and particularly for the support being lent by Barrow chief executive Sam Plum.
“This is a great opportunity to do something quite special for the town and community. We’re working with local people and the council to understand what people need and want in the area. We don’t want to create something which doesn’t fit.
“Covid knocked us back quite a lot. The impact of the pandemic meant our progression and plans had to be put on hold for two years. But now we’re in the works of submitting plans to the council. We’re delighted to have great support with an understanding and proactive council.”
