AN ambitious project to transform a Grade-II listed building to provide a modern creative hub is pressing forward.
Plans to renovate and upgrade Cooke’s Studios in 102 and 104 Abbey Road were given the green light in October for a series of external and internal alterations.
The studios contains the charitable organisation, Signal Film and Media, which was awarded £490,000 of Arts Council funding last year for the planned renovation.
The two inter-joining Grade-II Listed Victorian buildings which make up Cooke’s Studios will benefit from improved accessibility including a new entrance and ‘welcome’ area.
There will also be a museum-standard gallery space, cafe and creative practitioner studios. The attic space will be transformed into a flexible workspace for artists and the brick-arched basement will be investigated as a potential lo-fi performance venue.
Signal Film and Media has managed 104 Abbey Road for around 12 years with various spaces let to other third-sector organisations based in Barrow at affordable rates, and having taken over 102 Abbey Road, the charity has stated the aims of the 'rejuvenation' of the property.
READ MORE: Signal Film Media in Barrow to be transformed after Arts Council England investment
Planning documents state: "The project will transform what is currently an underutilised ground floor with low permeability to the public, and confusing layout, into a welcoming public entrance that is accessible to all, with a new reception, exhibition space, and café.”
Six months after the proposal was given the council go-ahead, Signal has revealed that they have appointed an architect to help redevelop the studios.
A spokesman said the project will transform the building to provide ‘welcoming, inclusive and well-connected spaces’ for both tenants and communities.
READ MORE: Cooke's Studios, Abbey Road, Barrow, plans approved
A spokesman said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Bauman Lyons to redevelop Cooke’s Studios, our creative media and arts centre here in Barrow.
“The project will transform this Grade II Listed building to provide welcoming, inclusive and well-connected spaces for both tenants and our communities.
“We look forward to co-producing a long-term vision for Cooke's Studios with Bauman Lyons and their regular collaborators BWA, Preston Barber, Burdus Access and Skyhooks Engineering.”
Planning documents said the development will help ‘breathe new life’ into the once-Victorian building in the centre of Barrow to ‘help our community to recover and thrive’.
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