Westmorland and Furness Council has appointed Muse Places as strategic development partner for the Marina Village scheme in Barrow.
The development will provide around 1,350 new homes, a nature conservation area and new public open spaces.
The council has awarded the pre-development services agreement to Muse Places and its supply chain partners within ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.
Jonathan Brook, council leader and cabinet member for the economy at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This scheme will play a vital role in the future success of Barrow. It is a key part of the delivery plans for Team Barrow. A significant amount of time, work and funding has gone into getting us to this stage. We are now very much looking forward to working with Muse and ECF on this project and together with partners and the local community, to develop the vision for this site and for it to become a thriving residential community.
Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, added: “Marina Village is a significant opportunity for Barrow, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council as plans move forward. The appointment of a development partner marks an important step, allowing the council and its partners to start shaping how Marina Village can come to life, building on its waterfront setting and responding to the needs of the local community.
“At ECF, we take a long-term, partnership-led approach to regeneration, and we’re excited to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to help create a new neighbourhood that Barrow can be proud of.”
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for Marina Village. Taking this approach ensures that this important waterside area in Barrow is brought forward in the right way to create a modern, attractive and desirable place to live and is aligned with workforce needs and the wider regeneration of Barrow.
“By focusing on family homes and accommodation suitable for first-time buyers and a choice of types and tenures, we will ensure that these homes support the wider growth aspirations of Barrow’s community and wider economy.”
The council appointed Muse Places using the developer led framework that Pagabo manages on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust and was advised in the procurement process by CBRE and DWF.
Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The appointment of Muse through the developer led framework demonstrates how major, complex regeneration projects like Marina Village can be progressed through a procurement process that is both simple and fully compliant. The framework that we manage is designed to give councils confidence, pace and flexibility, while maintaining transparency and best value. It’s great to see Westmorland and Furness Council able to focus on shaping the vision and outcomes for Barrow, knowing that the procurement route is robust, efficient and aligned with long-term place-making ambitions.”
