BAE Systems is moving forward with an ambitious project that aims to deliver much-needed regeneration and investment to Barrow town centre.
The defence firm, which is currently working on a fleet of four new Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines, purchased the units formerly occupied by Debenhams, WH Smith and the Body Shop in January 2023.
BAE say it will recruit up to 6,000 new members of staff by 2030s, bringing its total workforce in Barrow to around 17,000.
The town centre properties will be refurbished in three phases, creating an educational and training hub for new recruits and recent graduates to practice their skills and gain experience before transferring to the shipyard.
There will also be an interactive submarine experience, where people can learn about life on board a submarine, how they are made, and the role Barrow has in the UK’s defence industry.
Work has already begun on Phase 1, developing a multi-agency recruitment office in the former Body Shop unit. The careers inspiration hub will see BAE and other local firms offer careers advice and information about apprenticeship opportunities and aims to be open to the public by the end of 2023.
This service will transfer to the larger WH Smith premises during Phase 2 of the project, with the former Body Shop unit then set to become a reception area to serve the education and training centre, which will occupy the largest of the units, the old Debenhams department store building next door.
BAE’s project manager Catherine Reay said: “Eighty per cent of our workers live within a 10-mile radius of Barrow, so it’s vital that we play a key role in helping to regenerate the town centre.
“We know recruitment is a challenge for everyone, and that’s why we’re creating a careers and employment advice hub that other local employers can utilise and help get more people in to the town centre and make them aware that there is a bright future in Barrow.
“We’re part of the fabric of this town and we are committed to working alongside the community and our supply-chain colleagues to help regenerate the area.”
The third phase of the project will see the creation of an experiential learning facility, to help newly qualified members of staff gain experience and new skills in a safe simulated environment, before they go to work in the shipyards.
BAE estimates that 25% of its total workforce will be in the new starter category by 2027, and this is the catalyst behind the development of the educational hub. The space will also include a dedicated area for other local employers to showcase their career opportunities and vacancies.
“The intention is for this to be a major catalyst for other organisations to engage with and invest in the town. There is a multitude of opportunity here in Barrow and we are keen to promote that alongside our local partners,” said Catherine, who worked at the WH Smith shop as a Saturday girl whilst still at school.
So far more than 80 tonnes of fixtures and fittings have been removed from the old Debenhams site, with all of it being repurposed or auctioned, and nothing being sent to landfill.
BAE has also saved several neon signs for concessions such as Miss Selfridge which have been bought by private collectors from all over the country.
The architect and contractors for the project have yet to be confirmed, though BAE say its aim is to award contracts locally as much as possible.
“This project confirms our commitment to Barrow, we’re here for the long haul and the only way to keep both BAE and Barrow growing is to support each other and invest in programmes and property that we know will make a huge difference – not only to our own recruitment and training targets, but also the wider community.
“There will be no catering facilities at the educational hub, so with a minimum of 300 people on site each day going out and spending in the local shops and cafes, we hope this will help drive more business and footfall in the town centre,” added Catherine.
