Community organisations in Barrow are being invited to apply for a new Capital Investment Fund aimed at transforming community spaces and improving wellbeing for residents.
Westmorland and Furness Council is launching the Brilliant Barrow Community Hub Capital Investment Fund, part of the wider Barrow Town Deal, which is investing in long‑term projects to help the town thrive as a place to live, work and visit.
The fund will support the development and enhancement of Community Wellbeing Hubs within Barrow town centre, providing welcoming, multi‑purpose spaces where people of all ages can access services, activities, learning and support in a safe and trusted environment.
Grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 will be available to eligible non‑profit organisations to deliver capital projects that improve existing community facilities or bring underused buildings back into use for community benefit. All funded projects must be located within the Old Barrow and Hindpool ward and be completed by 31 March 2027.
Community Wellbeing Hubs are designed to respond directly to local need, supporting residents to build skills, make positive lifestyle choices, tackle health inequalities and reduce disadvantage. The council is particularly keen to support projects that strengthen community resilience, improve access and inclusion, and create opportunities for volunteering, learning and digital inclusion.
The fund will support costs including refurbishment and remodelling, accessibility improvements, construction works, equipment and furnishings, and associated professional fees.
Brilliant Barrow Chair Steve Cole said: “We had looked at building a bespoke community hub for the town centre – like we’ve funded at Earnse Bay on Walney – but there are so many community groups in the town who have space which is under used or which could become real community assets with a bit of investment. Doing it this way makes more sense and will, we hope, mean that the community gets much more value from our investment then if we’d built something new.”
Organisations eligible to apply include constituted voluntary and community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, community interest companies and community amateur sports clubs. All projects must deliver tangible physical improvements and demonstrate long‑term sustainability, value for money and strong community engagement.
Collaborative approaches are strongly encouraged, with funded spaces required to be made available for community activities and services for an agreed period through a grant funding agreement.
Councillor Tony Callister, the Chair of the Furness Locality Board at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This is a true game changing opportunity for groups and organisations who are eligible to apply for much needed funds to help and enhance the fantastic work they are doing in the area.
“More feel-good news strengthening our local community, bring it on”
An Expression of Interest stage will open the application process, with a deadline of 25 May 2026. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, with funding decisions expected by the end of June 2026.
Projects will be assessed against criteria including alignment with strategic objectives, evidence of community need, deliverability, financial viability and long‑term impact.
For further information on eligibility and how to apply, parties are asked to contact direct via the Barrow Area support email which is – barrow.areasupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk