GUESTS gathered for the grand opening of a collection of luxury serviced apartments and rooms in Barrow-in-Furness.

The Washington, a former pub at Roose Road, has been transformed from its "derelict and unloved state" by property developer Blake Henderson Ltd.

Fully equipped and furnished in a crisp, contemporary style, the 22 serviced rooms and nine self-contained apartments have en-suite shower rooms, smart TVs, business-grade Wi-Fi, desk spaces and a double bed. A weekly clean and launder is part of the package.

Gloucestershire-based Blake Henderson Ltd has invested a total of £2.5 million in revitalising buildings across Barrow, including the former Wheatsheaf pub and the Crystal Palace.

Described as "more like a home than a hotel", the 61 apartments and 21 rooms they have created are designed to meet the needs of Barrow's many contractors and professionals for high-quality accommodation in the short and long term.

Companies driving the demand for such apartments and rooms include Barrow's BAE Systems, Ulverston's GSK, the Dong Energy offshore wind farm at Walney, and the National Grid transmission line and tunnel.

To find out more, contact local letting agents Corrie & Co on 01229-870022 or visit www.corrieandco.co.uk