AN ambitious vision to turn a section of Barrow’s high street into a thriving area for outdoor eating and drinking similar to European city, has been revealed.

Barrow’s Business Improvement District has unveiled plans to turn the bottom section of Dalton Road into a ‘garden street’, with greenery and covered outdoor dining areas.

Barrow BID bosses said the project could come into fruition as early as 2022.

Colin Garnett, the manager of Barrow BID, said covered spaces and heat lamps would mean outdoor diners and drinkers could enjoy being outside in all seasons.

Describing the plan, he said: “It’s aspirational.

“It’s how the high street needs to change.

“In Barrow after 5pm it’s dead. People are getting the train to Ulverston or Lancaster but why can’t we get them here, making the most of Barrow.

“Our premises don’t have their own private space.

“This would create all year round dining.”

Mr Garnett said that section of Dalton Road had been ‘missed’ and vowed that plans for other areas of the town would eventually be revealed.

Lisa Clark, the owner of Smiler’s Cafe on Dalton Road, said she thought the concept was ‘amazing’.

She said: “I think the BID have done have a fantastic job to start the process of modernising the town centre especially after the effects Covid has had on all businesses in Barrow town centre, shown with the loss of major chains throughout the lockdown period.

“Great care has clearly been taken to utilise the town space and think its fantastic.

“These images definitely make town much more inviting in town.

“I hope will aid our recovery in rebuilding the town centre

The scheme is a concept and Barrow BID will be consulting with local businesses, the police, Barrow Council and

Cumbria Highways to deliver the scheme, but initial feedback has been positive, the group said.

The scheme could come off if the BID group, to which town centre traders pay a fee, is up re-elected in 2021.