In 2003 a group of residents, with the help of community development workers, began to consult with as many stakeholders as possible in an effort to plan, design and create a green urban oasis for people of all ages on an area of derelict land owned by Barrow Borough Council.

Using experience gained from attending an Urban Design course 'Spaces by Design' at The National Tenant's Resource Centre at Trafford Hall near Chester residents on the original project team, which included BAE System graduates, community development workers and project architect, worked to produced a detailed proposal for the development of the land and 4 adjacent railway arches. This was eventually submitted to Barrow Borough Council with the aim of gaining approval from the Council to use the land and to convince them that the group could deliver the project.

After convincing Barrow Borough Council to agree to lease the land to the group and after raising grant money from West Lakes Renaissance the first phase of work, the community garden, is currently being undertaken by Continental Landcapes Ltd.

The project  has generated support from several statutory and voluntary organisations such as  MAST Community Group, local schools,  Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Furness College, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Barrow Borough Council, Cumbria Primary Care Trust, Streetsafe, Accent Northwest, Hugh Massey Architects, Cumbria CVS and Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team. 

We have  joined Cumbria Wildlife Trust as an affiliate member. It is hoped that with their support we can build on the existing interest in wildlife and the environment  and help to encourage participation by offering possible training and educational opportunities and by developing fun and interesting activities for young and old alike.

We have developed as an organisation and on the 28th of February 2008 became a Community Interest Company and registered with Companies House as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The full title of our newly formed Company is:The Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company (Company number: 6518159).

MAST Community Group: http://www.mast.btik.com/

Hugh Massey Architects: http://www.hughmasseyarchitects.co.uk/index.shtml

Streetsafe: http://www.streetsafe.org.uk/

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service: http://www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/

Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team: http://www.chnmt.blogspot.com/

Barrow Borough Council: http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/

Cumbria County Council: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/

Barrow CVS:  http://www.barrowcvs.org.uk/

Cumbria Wildlife Trust: http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/cumbria/

Continenal LandscapesLtd : http://www.continental-landscapes.co.uk/index.html

National Probation Service (Cumbria): http://www.cumbriaprobation.org.uk/

Furness Building Society: http://www.furnessbs.co.uk/

SDG Accountants: http://www.sdgaccountants.co.uk

VCF Solutions: http://www.vcf-solutions.co.uk/