Carlisle's new artificial grass £50,000 'pop-up' park has been unveiled. 

The new park, located in the Greenmarket adjacent to the Old Town Hall, will, according to the council, 'provide opportunities for individuals and families to relax, eat, drink and socialise whilst in the city centre with additional seating, artificial grass and planting'.

The project hopes to 'stimulate a local discussion' on how the Market Square and Greenmarket can be better used in future and contribute to city centre revitalisation, whilst offering the positives that come from having green spaces. 

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Cllr Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing, said prior to the unveiling: "Greening the Greenmarket has been designed to bring calming green space into the city centre and to provide a place where shoppers can stop, rest, play, drink and eat before continuing shopping.

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"The new temporary feature will be used as a focus for consultation, to pilot test ideas, and engage with local people, businesses and visitors.

"It will help grow and diversify the economy," she said. 

The installation is being provided as part of the government’s Welcome Back Fund, a nation-wide scheme backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the goal of supporting the economy as it reopens by providing a safe and welcoming environment for local trade and tourism.

Councils across England have benefitted from £56million of ERDF funding to welcome high street footfall and help 'build back better' from the pandemic.

The new pop-up park is scheduled to only be within the city centre for a matter of months, with questions being raised by many as to whether or not the park is good value for money. 

READ MORE: Questions asked about 'value for money' in Carlisle pop-up park plan