Barrow-in-Furness is a town long associated with its industrial heritage and coastal setting. Barrow is now seeing greater diversity in its housing stock and commercial property, driven by new developments and increasing demand.
This demand is largely being fuelled by the ongoing growth and investment in BAE Systems’ submarine manufacturing plant, the town’s largest employer. With a number of long-term projects in the pipeline, BAE Systems has become a major driver of Barrow’s economy. The company is actively recruiting, offering high-quality, well-paid jobs that are transforming the employment landscape in the area. Reports even suggest that people from different career sectors and backgrounds, such as teaching assistants and car mechanics, are retraining to take up roles at BAE.
As stable, well-paid jobs attract professionals and skilled workers to the area, the housing market has responded. Local authorities have taken steps to allocate land for residential development, helping to meet demand and providing choice for prospective homebuyers. New build three and four bedroom homes are now becoming more readily available, which is especially appealing to relocating professionals and families seeking modern accommodation in the region.
Beyond housing, infrastructure improvements over the last 10 – 20 years have made Barrow more accessible. The main road in and out of the town was upgraded, improving connectivity and reducing travel times to surrounding areas such as Ulverston, which itself has become a popular place to live for those working in Barrow.
From a surveying and property consultancy perspective, Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors has seen an increase in commercial property instructions in and around Barrow. These range from commercial property surveys and pre-acquisition valuations to condition inspections for tenants taking leases. Our team has also been active in dilapidations surveys for landlords of commercial property, as well as managing building refurbishment projects at several schools in Barrow and Walney.
Our involvement with BAE Systems has also expanded. We have provided valuation advice on properties they are acquiring, including the former Debenhams store in Portland Walk, which is set to become a state-of-the-art training centre for staff. This ambitious project further reinforces the scale of investment in the area and the company’s long-term vision for Barrow.
With property values rising and more development on the horizon, Barrow is increasingly seen as a location full of potential, not just for homebuyers but for commercial property investors and employers alike. At Lea Hough, we’re proud to be supporting the town’s growth through our expert surveying and consultancy services.
If you’re considering a commercial property purchase, lease or development project in Barrow-in-Furness, get in touch with our team to see how we can help.
