Investment Opportunities
In Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria
There are great opportunities for other ambitious businesses, investors and developers to tap into the potential of our part of the UK. The scale of our growth and creation of thousands of new jobs requires supporting investment in housing to attract people to the Westmorland and Furness area and to the careers available. We are currently preparing a strategic masterplan for the Barrow and Furness area and a new Local Plan, and already have several housing and commercial sites that are available for investment.
Use the map to find investment opportunities in the Westmorland and Furness area or scroll down to read more…
Investment Opportunities
Royal Port of Barrow
Recently granted Royal status in recognition the town’s role in guaranteeing the nation’s security, this major asset supports the shipyard’s growth and also private sector investment in green growth and supply chain development. There are over 200 hectares available for further development and we seek to advance the port as a marine gateway that facilitates development of our nationally significant sectors, including offshore wind and other clean growth opportunities, as well as cargo handling and visitor cruise opportunities from this gateway to the Lake District.
Marina Village, Barrow
This is a place-shaping opportunity to create an exceptional residential offer that can attract people to relocate and become part of our growing
workforce. We want to provide contemporary, aspirational housing to accommodate those looking for high quality family homes in a vibrant new community which changes perceptions of Barrow as a place to live.
Marina Village Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Marina Village SPD Consultation Statement
Ulverston & Swarthmoor
A combined 52 ha of land available for housing across four allocated sites in Swarthmoor, near Ulverston. The sites can deliver a significant proportion of housing to meet local needs, with around 1,000 new homes, and help provide the workforce needed by local businesses in Westmorland and Furness. All sites are now served by a newly built roundabout at Cross-a-Moor, with a £12m investment made into enabling infrastructure.
Penrith 41
We are supporting the development of the North Lakes Hub – a strategic employment location at Junction 41 of the M6, located to the north of
Penrith. The commercial/employment land around the junction has outline planning permission (with detailed consent for the access) and an active developer (Maple Grove Developments, part of the Eric Wright Group) interested to discuss future investment and occupiers, particularly those with links to distribution, logistics, manufacturing and clean growth. A start on site with the initial access and infrastructure works will commence in summer 2025.
Scroggs Wood, Kendal
This is a prestige 18 ha site on the main southern approach to Kendal. It is a highly accessible development site adjacent to the A591 dual carriageway and just 5 minutes from M6 Junction 36. The site is allocated for employment and is intended for high quality, campus-style development reflecting its prominent location and draws upon the heritage and character of the site’s riverside setting at the gateway to the Lake District.
Investment Pipeline
Team Barrow
Government, BAE Systems and Westmorland and Furness Council are now working together as Team Barrow, a dynamic partnership formed to enable the significant new development required to deliver the Astute, Dreadnought and AUKUS submarine programmes as part of the UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The government investment of over £200 million will include projects to support people towards work, improve health outcomes, build more homes, develop the transport network and support local schools. These investments and opportunities create a compelling offer that will help to transform the town and the wider area and will leave an enduring legacy for future generations. There are massive opportunities to help us deliver this work.
Barrow Rising is a vision powered by Team Barrow, a collaborative partnership of local government, national government, businesses, community organisations, and residents. Together, we are creating meaningful change, tackling challenges, and unlocking opportunities for growth and investment. The team, and its Board, will coordinate resources, develop ideas and maximise impact for the whole community. From enhancing Barrow’s town centre to improving education and infrastructure, Team Barrow is leading the way in helping Barrow deliver a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Brilliant Barrow
With more than £40 million of regeneration investment already secured, it is an exciting time for Barrow-in-Furness. Barrow was one of the first towns in the country to secure a £25m Town Deal from the UK Government for seven exciting projects that will help the area to thrive for generations. These include a new Learning Quarter and campus for the University of Cumbria, improved active travel infrastructure, and a network of community hubs including an Outdoor Learning Centre. A further regeneration scheme funded by UK Government will reinvigorate the town centre so it is ready to embrace a prosperous and healthy future.
A66 Trans-Pennine Dualling
National Highways are planning a £1.5bn strategic highways upgrade scheme to provide a high quality, high-speed dual carriageway route on the A66 between the M6 at Penrith and A1(M) at Scotch Corner. If the project is approved by Government dualling will be delivered between 2025 and 2030, providing excellent connectivity along a key local, regional and national route for east/west journeys in the north of England for freight, tourism and businesses across the UK.
Digital Infrastructure
The Cumbria Project Gigabit programme will see £56.4m invested in full fibre infrastructure in Westmorland and Furness, with coverage rising to well above 95% by its completion in 2026. The Shared Rural Network, a £1bn investment across the UK, will improve 4G geographic coverage from all four Mobile Network Operators.