THE government has announced an additional £80million for the Carlisle ring road project in a move that has been described as 'vital for the growth of Carlisle' by a local MP.
The Carlisle Southern Link Road Project was given approval by Government back in 2016/17, but was subsequently hit with difficulties around the rising costs associated with the supply chain, labour and material shortages and rising energy costs.
The link road project would see a relief road built south of Carlisle linking the M6 to the A595 at Newby West.
Despite the setback Cumbria County Council has progressed the project, with planning permission granted and tenders in, meaning that work could start as early as April 2023.
The government has now invested £200million into this project which is seen as a key part of their levelling-up agenda in Cumbria.
The road is 'key' to the delivery of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, according to Carlisle MP, John Stevenson.
The St Cuthbert's garden village residential development will see 10,000 new homes built to the south of Carlisle which will 'bring new employment opportunities and improvements to infrastructure in the local area'.
"This is a significant project, vital to the growth of Carlisle, with extensive support from local people and business" said Mr Stevenson.
"It will benefit not only Carlisle but the west of the county too. It will open up the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village with the provision of 10,000 new homes, employment opportunities, community facilities and critical improvements to infrastructure.
“I am delighted that the Government has listened and approved the additional funding, demonstrating a strong commitment to levelling up in the North and to the Carlisle Constituency.
Labour's Candidate for Carlisle, Julie Minns also welcomed the additional funding.
"I’m pleased that the government has confirmed the funding for the Carlisle Southern Link Road, and would like to pay tribute to the Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council teams who have worked hard for several years to secure Government support for the scheme.
"The road is key not only to enabling the garden village, but to unlocking wider economic benefits for Cumbria.
"Whilst the road will help relieve congestion within Carlisle, the government must also ensure that the garden village and the wider city area, is much better served by public transport".
READ MORE: Carlisle Southern Link Road delayed as war in Ukraine increases costs
The St Cuthbert's Garden Village development is currently scheduled to be completed by 2030 whilst the road could be open to the public as soon as 2025.
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