Barrow Debenhams site to become BAE VR defence training base


Plans by BAE Systems to transform a former department store in Barrow for “experiential” learning have been approved by the Westmorland and Furness Council. The now vacant Debenhams building will be used to replicate the facilities currently used to build submarines. By allowing employees to experience the company’s operations and facilities more realistically, BAE Systems’ Janet Garner said it would play an important role in equipping its employees with the skills and experience required to deliver current and future submarines programmes.

Following Debenhams’ closure in 2021, BAE Systems purchased the site as well as several other unoccupied shops to develop educational facilities for its employees. The project, known as Portland Walk Campus (PWC), intends to create a town centre location for its educational functions. BAE Systems constructed a community engagement area, The Bridge, near Portland Walk, as part of its regeneration efforts.

As the primary employer in Barrow, BAE operates the largest shipyard in the United Kingdom. The proposed campus, PWC Hall, will consist of simulated environments for physical work tasks, workshops and machinery areas, virtual reality rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and demonstration areas. The Local Democracy Reporting Service confirmed that approximately 650 people would use the building regularly, and the approach would “retain and enhance” the building’s existing architectural features, according to a council planning report.

Ms Garner expressed BAE’s enthusiasm about contributing directly to the regeneration of Barrow town centre and the exciting potential it has. By converting the unused space into an “experiential” learning laboratory, BAE intends to boost its employees’ abilities and maintain its position as a pre-eminent defence firm in the country

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