Westmorland and Furness stands on the brink of immense investment and development opportunities, with an unparalleled combination of a nationally important focus and support, development sites and natural capital.

Working with national Government and BAE Systems, Westmorland and Furness Council is part of Team Barrow, a dynamic partnership to address two key strategic priorities:

1.            Delivering the Defence Nuclear Enterprise efficiently and securely

2.            Diversifying and strengthening Barrow’s economy and increase productivity

This is being driven through improved infrastructure, housing and social value from huge investment and job growth at the town’s BAE Systems site.

BAE Systems is currently developing and producing the Dreadnought-class submarines and the first UK SSN-AUKUS submarines, which are due to be delivered in the late 2030s, replacing the current Astute-class submarines.

BAE Systems expects to grow its workforce by more than 50 per cent to 17,000 people in the next 15 years, while the area is also at the forefront of decarbonisation efforts across offshore wind, gas, low carbon generation and storage opportunities and home to a fast-growing sector in clean growth and innovation.

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Simon Case led a high-level delegation to Barrow in July and met with senior figures from Westmorland and Furness Council, BAE Systems and Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell to kick-start Team Barrow. They returned in October with the pledge of £5 million to support the new Delivery Board structure and governance to ensure local people see lasting benefits from investment in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

To meet the demands that will be placed upon Barrow in the coming years and decades, the town requires investment; focusing on the health and education of its people, improving housing, access, connectivity, and community wellbeing. Government departments have agreed to develop a coherent approach to the investment in, and regeneration of, Barrow and the wider region that supports the recapitalisation of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and delivers benefits for the people of Barrow and the region.

Team Barrow was formed by the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case in July last year and its Delivery Board is in the process of being established.

And in March, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the creation of a Barrow Transformation Fund, with the Government committing an immediate £20 million and a further minimum of £20 million a year over the next 10 years to make Barrow an even more attractive place to live, work, and build a career.

Making the announcement, the Prime Minister said: “Safeguarding the future of our nuclear deterrent and nuclear energy industry is a critical national endeavour.

“In a more dangerous and contested world, the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is more vital than ever. And nuclear delivers cheaper, cleaner home-grown energy for consumers.

“That’s why we are investing in Barrow, the home of UK submarines, and in the jobs and skills of the future in the thriving British nuclear industry. Today we usher in the next generation of our nuclear enterprise, which will keep us safe, keep our energy secure, and keep our bills down for good.”

In July 2023 Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “Barrow is the home of engineering excellence. The site of significant new investment over the next four decades.

“We want Barrow to become a new powerhouse for the North.’’

This transformational work is urgent and support is needed to deliver the interventions as they are identified.

Talk to them about the opportunities at stand D42 – New Dock Hall

Get in touch to arrange a conversation at UKREiiF: [email protected]