Future of well-known Barrow town centre building secured at meeting Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet
The long-term future of a much-loved local building in Barrow town centre was secured today.
At a meeting of Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet, members approved a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application from a local charity, Barrow Domestic Appliances (BDA), to take over ownership of the former Centenary Day Centre on Abbey Road.
A CAT means that a building or land is transferred from public ownership to a community, voluntary or social enterprise group. The terms of the CAT will see BDA take on full responsibility for the premises under a 25-year lease. A date for the formal transfer of the building will be confirmed in due course.
Barrow Domestic Appliances is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that specialise in the re-use and recycling of domestic appliances for the local community. They carry out much of their work in deprived areas of the community and assist those with disabilities and those living in vulnerable situations.
The former Centenary Day Centre in Abbey Road is currently vacant and will provide an accessible base close to the town centre to help expand BDA’s services.
BDA will invest in the building to provide new services that will improve the recycling of electrical and white goods. The new premises will also offer the local community improved access to recycled goods and recycling services, and provide employment, training and volunteering opportunities.
The CAT also contributes to Cumbria County Council’s Council Plan (2018 - 2022), by enabling BDA to continue supporting vulnerable and disabled people, and those in poverty by reducing the cost of owning and maintaining domestic appliances.
Cllr David Southward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“I am delighted to confirm the transfer of this well-known and accessible building to a local charity, that have been providing a fantastic service to the local community. The new premises will help BDA to develop their services and opportunities even further, in an ideal central location. This is good news for local residents, and I’d like to thank all involved behind the scenes that have secured the future of this excellent local building.”
Paul Fitzpatrick, CEO of Barrow Domestic Appliances, said:
“This is brilliant news for our charity, and for the local community. We have worked hard to secure new premises and we’re delighted to have successfully secured this transfer. The new base will help us to expand our offers and services in a more accessible location. We can’t wait to get started!”
