Portland Walk Shopping Centre

Portland Walk is a mixed-use complex in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. Constructed in 1998 on the site of the former Forshaw Street, it was designed as a modern extension to Dalton Road; Barrow's principal shopping district. Barrow Indoor Market is also located adjacent to the southern entrance of the centre.[1] Up until 2023 Portland Walk had a total retail floor area of around 200,000 sq ft (19,000 m2) and contained 30 units, this has since reduced substantially following the development of a training facility by BAE Systems.[2] The complex is entirely open-air, however, there have been unsuccessful proposals to cover it with a roof.[3] A 500-space multi-storey car park provides access to Portland Walk.

Dalton Road entrance to Portland Walk in 2012

National retailers with a presence in Portland Walk are Boots, Card Factory, Clarks, Clintons Cards, EE, Game, JD Sports, Waterstones and New Look

As with many British high streets, Portland Walk has suffered numerous closures due to changing retail trends compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable departures from Portland Walk include Debenhams, River Island, Topshop, The Body Shop and WH Smith.

BAE Systems since purchased a number of the vacant units including the former Debenhams unit and has convert them into a training and visitor centre. There have also been proposals to convert vacant upper floor levels to residential accommodation.

See also

edit

References

edit
edit

54°06′45″N 3°13′36″W / 54.1124°N 3.2268°W / 54.1124; -3.2268