HOARDINGS around a derelict Carlisle hotel are being painted in a bid to make the area more attractive.

The Central Plaza hotel on Victoria Viaduct currently stands in a state of disrepair following emergency repair works in the summer when masonry had to be removed from the building.

Councillor Paul Nedved, for Stanwix Urban, said: “I have asked repeatedly in the press and at council in the last few years - as have local businesses and readers - that the city council could at least enhance the area by painting the graffiti covered hoardings around the building which look so unkempt and as belies its ownerless appearance.

“I am delighted to say finally that our request has been finally heeded and painting of all the hoardings that surround the hotel is now currently underway.

“This will enhance the appearance of this historic quarter and gateway to the city and equally be to the benefit of local traders who have put up with this derelict appearance and general disruption for too long.

“Hopefully there may be an opportunity to use the space on the hoardings for some selective advertising.”

The city council is seeking a developer to transform the imposing site - six months after emergency safety repairs had to be carried out.

Inveniam, a company based in Newcastle, announced plans in May to transform the former ownerless hotel into a 60-bedroom hotel with a bar, bistro, meeting and office space.

Mr Nedved said: “We are all waiting to see if there has been any expression of interest in the Central Plaza by the December 31 deadline and hoping on hope that there may be a long term development future for this historic albeit present abject condition.

“There was reported interest in the summer from Inveniam who were acting for a third party.

“As reported last week by council leader Colin Glover, the latest costs for repairs and maintenance amounted to £900,000 last year which is clearly unsustainable.

“Let us hope that this iconic Victorian building will have a future as part of the overall Station Gateway Project element of the Borderlands Initiative.”

The hotel, which shut in 2004, had to have more than 160 tonnes of masonry removed from it in June as it posed a safety risk.

Several failed attempts to redevelop the property have left the building in poor condition. Victoria Viaduct was shut for weeks in May and June while the work was carried out.

The closure wreaked havoc on businesses - with many forced to close or relocate for weeks - and led to traffic complications for motorists.

The deadline for firms wanting to express an interest in developing the Central Plaza is December 31.