Proposals wanted to redevelop former Central Plaza Hotel, Carlisle

Carlisle City Council, in partnership with property consultant CBRE, is seeking proposals to redevelop the site in Carlisle’s city centre.

The ‘Citadel View’ site was formerly home to the Central Plaza Hotel which was demolished and cleared during 2020.

Carlisle City Council has now secured UK Government’s Future High Street funding to help facilitate the redevelopment of the site.

Approximately 3,000 students will be based at the University of Cumbria's new Citadels Campus, immediately opposite this site, with completion expected in 2026.

£50million funding is being provided for this new campus from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

In addition, Borderlands has provided £20million funding for the Citadel Railway Station transformation.

Flashback to 2011: the beautiful Central Plaza hotel on Victoria Viaduct fell into disrepair and spent its last years behind scaffolding (Image: Newsquest)

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, said: “With £70million secured for redevelopment for the Citadels and train station, there’s a great opportunity for a developer to bring forward a new economic use for the site and be part of the regeneration of this part of the city centre.

"We want to secure an investor for the site and are working with CBRE to make this happen.”

READ MORE: End of an era as Central Plaza demolition is completed

The former Central Plaza site has been effectively ownerless for several years, and is subject to escheat to be dealt with by the Crown Estate.

Positive discussions have been held with the Crown’s advisors to ensure this important and prominent site is brought back into use, the council says.

It is anticipated that the appropriate investor would be the one recommended by the council following its consideration of any proposals/expressions of interest received.

The beautiful Central Plaza hotel before the scaffolding went up. (Image: Phil Williams/Wikimedia Commons)

Studies by Jon Matthews Architects have shown the possibility for up to a 5 - 6 storey 'commercial or residential' development, subject to planning.

The City Council is willing to consider all redevelopment proposals of the site, subject to planning, with a particular focus on high quality and sustainable development which is considered complementary to the surrounding area and regeneration efforts.

The process will be split into two stages with the first stage inviting expressions of interest and the second stage inviting formal proposals.

The deadline for Stage 1 submissions is 5pm on Tuesday, January 31 2023. Submissions are to be made via CBRE in Manchester as retained agent. More information is available at www.carlisle.gov.uk/centralplaza.

READ MORE: Frustration felt over Central Plaza