It's showtime for new Tribe Carlisle Courtyard at Bitts Park

Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Pam Birks, who will be going to take a look at the new Tribe Carlisle development at Bitts Park before its opening on Saturday, said it offers a good opportunity for artisan businesses.

Tribe Carlisle was set up following a £150,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to Carlisle City Council.

Built from shipping containers, the courtyard aims to showcase a range of local companies and fuse “concepts of the modern street market and independent retail”.

Cllr Birks said: "It's an alternative to what we've already got.

"This is allowing [artisan businesses] to put their toe in the water and hopefully they will find out about all the hazards of running a business and have people supporting them.

"I do wish them well and hope to see them on the high street one day. I hope it is a step forward and that Carlisle can be at the forefront again, embracing something different and new."

Containers are set to be occupied by street food vendors and bars, including The Tasty Greek, Beirut Bites, Pokey Parlour, Bella Tacos, Sissy That Print, Love Dough, and Tribe Bar.

Showtime: Tribe Carlisle is set to officially open to the public on Saturday August 28

Carlisle City Council Shadow Portfolio Holder for Culture Leisure and Heritage Jo Ellis-Williams, who has been vocal in her scepticism of the courtyard, said she thought the idea of having a place to incubate new business was "great", but questioned whether it could have been done in a different way.

She said: "I think it's a great idea, but why couldn't we have done it in the city centre?

"I really hope it does succeed. I don't want anything in this city not to succeed, but I do still have quite a few reservations about the project."

Tribe has already announced a number of upcoming events, with numerous ones such as the Teddy Bear Picnic, Puppy Yoga, and Launch Event Party (on Friday) selling out due to popularity.

The site also hopes to offer a range of other events including VR Experience Days, live music, performances, and comedy acts.

One of the spaces called The Hive is being left as a pop-up container to be rented out to businesses who want to test the market.

Tribe manager Emmanuel Lorenzana said: "It’s an exciting time for Carlisle. Tribe will bring a new energy and new opportunities to the city and create a safe, creative space for all ages to flourish and socialise.

"We’re also keeping one space as a pop-up destination, called The Hive, which we will be able to offer to businesses for a weekly rate, so visit our website if you have a business idea and want to join a progressive and like-minded community to make it happen."

Site Manager: Emmanuel Lorenzana, Credit: Scott Wigglesworth/Blackfell

As part of the operating model, all tenants will be required to reinvest back into local disadvantaged communities. This could be donating a share of profits, sharing time and expertise, or creating job opportunities. There are also no shareholders, so all profits are reinvested into the site and Bitts Park area, with an independent advisory group formed to support decision making and distribution.

Keep up to date with what is going on at Tribe Carlisle by visiting their Facebook page. Alternatively, you can find out more on their website at https://tribecarlisle.co.uk/.