AN 'ambitious, multi-million pound leisure development' comprised of around 50 shipping containers may be coming to Carlisle under new plans.

A planning application has gone in to Carlisle City Council to convert part of the Lowther Street Cark Park (the site of Carlisle’s former Her Majesty’s Theatre) owned by Daniel Johnston (1982) Ltd. into STACK Carlisle – an entertainment, food and drink venue.

If successful, it will see the creation of a container village made up of around 50 shipping containers with a retractable glass roof which will house five bars, 10 street food outlets, a central plaza with a balcony and a stage area for live music - and the applicants say it will create around 160 jobs.

'Established brand'

The STACK brand – owned by North East-based leisure operators, Danieli Group – is already well established.

STACK Newcastle opened in 2018, followed by STACK Seaburn at Sunderland in 2020.

The hope now is to recreate these venues in Carlisle, with a complex which will 'provide a wide range of leisure options for local residents but also provide visitors from the wider area with an attractive food and drink offer'.

'Major coup for the city'

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group, said he believes this will be a 'huge asset' to the city.

“STACK is a fast growing brand which has a proven track record in creating venues which have something for everyone and will bring a real boost to the area,” he said.

“We are very excited about coming to Carlisle and creating a really unique experience for the people who live there.”

Max Connon, of Daniel Johnston, added: "STACK Carlisle will be a major coup for the city.

“It is a much needed development that ticks all the boxes. It will regenerate the high street giving Lowther Street, which is littered with empty shops, renewed purpose.

“It will boost both the day and night time economy, drawing people into the city which will support surrounding businesses and encourage further inward investment.”

If planning permission is given the green light, the aim is for the site to be open by late summer 2023.

This is the fourth site which has been announced by the Danieli Group as part of their expansion plans for the STACK brand, with STACK Lincoln just recently announced, as well as STACK Bishop Auckland and STACK Durham.

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