Debenhams site to become VR defence training base

A defence firm has been given the green light to use a former department store as an "experiential" learning facility.

Westmorland and Furness Council approved BAE Systems' plans to use the former Debenhams in Barrow as a replica of the facilities it uses to build submarines.

The Submarines Centre for Experiential Learning will allow employees to "more realistically" experience the company's operations and facilities.

BAE Systems' Janet Garner said it would play an "important part" in equipping employees with the "skills and experience to deliver our current and future submarines programmes".

Debenhams closed its doors in 2021, with the site and several other empty shops bought by the defence company a year later.

BAE wants to create a town centre location to develop educational facilities, in a project known as the Portland Walk Campus (PWC).

The company recently completed a community engagement space, The Bridge, also situated on Portland Walk.

BAE is the main employer in Barrow, where it operates the largest shipyard in the UK.

The proposed PWC Hall will consist of simulated environments for physical work tasks, workshops and machinery areas.

There will also be meeting rooms, offices, demonstration areas and a virtual reality area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A report by council planning officers said the "continued disuse" of the building could have negative impacts on the town centre and that BAE's approach sought to "retain and enhance" the architectural features of the building.

It added the main benefit would be the increase in footfall, with an estimate of 650 people using the building on a regular basis.

"Barrow has some hugely exciting opportunities ahead," Ms Garner said.

"We are extremely proud to be playing our part and contributing directly to Barrow town centre regeneration."

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