IMPROVEMENTS to Carlisle's city centre are firmly underway, with ideas to rejuvenate the Greenmarket and Market Square areas being met with positive feedback, according to the authority.

According to a report produced for the city council's 'place panel', due to meet on Thursday, the concepts have been created in response to new challenges the city centre is facing.

"It is widely recognised that there has been a significant change in shopping behaviour, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more people purchasing goods online," according to the report. "This trend has led to the collapse of several high-profile high street retail chains."

According to the report, these changes have driven a 'market-led diversification' in other urban centres - that has not been seen in Carlisle.

"There are a number of reasons for this," it suggests. "Low resident population in the city centre, a weak office market, over-dependency on retail, underperforming visitor and leisure offer, property development costs and commercial viability."

The broad aim of the council’s Future High Streets Fund programme is to address this market failure, it adds.

"Hosting different kinds of events - such as an open-air cinema in the summer months or an ice rink in winter"

Two stages of consultation have been undertaken on the development of the project to transform the city centre: the first in July 2022 and the second in November/December 2022.

From the feedback, a series of concept designs for both the Greenmarket and Market Square area have been developed.

Visions for the area include hosting different kinds of events - such as an open-air cinema in the summer months or an ice rink in winter - with the objective of encouraging people to visit and stay longer. 

The report founnd the consultation has largely been met with a positive response from the public, with recognition that the area could play an important role in diversifying the city centre offer – as both a focal point and encouraging more leisure, cultural and night-time uses.

There are three concepts for the Greenmarket:

  • Concept one would be to create more green space
  • Concept two to create a more 'flexible and fun' area with a sunken events space
  • Concept three to define the Greenmarket as a place distinct from Market Square

There are also three concepts for Market Square:

  • Concept one would be to create a more green space with seating
  • Concept two would feature benches and street furniture with an integrated feature lighting to 'animate the evening environment'
  • Concept three is a 'simple and flexible space' complete with art features.

Cllr Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing, said: “We’re delighted with the positive responses to the consultation. We appreciate all the comments and feedback.

"The city centre’s Greenmarket and Market Square are important sites and the concepts drawn together for the second-stage consultation highlighted how they could be better utilised.

"Working with partners, we’ll assess the consultation responses and plans will be drawn up for the areas.

“The project is part of a wider city centre plan which includes investment in the Citadel, Caldew Riverside and Carlisle Railway Station.

"Together with the Market Square and the Greenmarket, these projects aim to rejuvenate the city centre and improve the visitor experience.”

This funding for this project is provided by the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

£2.7m is available to deliver the scheme with the aim to implement works by March 2024.