PLANS remain on track to open Carlisle's new university campus by 2026 despite 'significant inflationary pressures'. 

The redevelopment of the Citadel buildings plans was approved in August last year and will see the creation of a new University of Cumbria campus which includes the retention of the two Grade-I listed Citadel rotundas in the heart of the city. 

£55.2m, of the total £78m cost of the project, has come from the Borderland Inclusive Growth Deal, which aims to reach all parts of the Borderlands area, driving inclusive growth to deliver a raft of significant and lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.

The University of Cumbria has described the project as 'transformative' for the city. 

University of Cumbria, deputy chief operating officer, Kate Mclaughlin-Flynn said: "Work is continuing behind the scenes as we move forward with our plans to develop a new university campus in the heart of Carlisle city centre.

"Despite significant inflationary pressures we remain on track to open our new campus in 2026.

"With £55 million funding secured through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and Carlisle’s Town Deal, the £78m development of the new campus on the Citadels site is a transformative project.

"The new campus development helps us greatly as a university to expand our visibility, access and offer.

"However, it does much more than this. It brings increased investment, footfall, jobs, place attractiveness and vibrancy to Carlisle, complementing other investment projects such as the station development, southern gateway and St Cuthbert’s Garden Village," she said. 

Ms Mclaughlin-Flynn has welcomed growth in other areas of the city since the plan's inception, such as STACK plans being approved, all paving the way for a bustling city. 

At a meeting last week, STACK's multi-million pound container village plans for Lowther Street Car Park was approved at a meeting of Cumberland Council's planning committee. 

“Expansion of other sectors, including the city’s leisure and night-time economies, supports capital investment schemes such as this, offering alternative forms of activity, footfall and vibrancy in and around the city centre.

"We are pleased that planning permission for the STACK development has been granted, further enhancing Carlisle as an attractive city to live, work and study," she said.