Representatives from councils, businesses and projects across the north of England and south of Scotland have come together at a conference in Penrith to discuss the progress of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a ten year, £450million programme of investment to deliver ‘sustainable and inclusive’ economic benefits, including £265m from the UK Government and £85m from the Scottish Government.

The conference brought together representatives from the five authorities - Cumberland, Dumfries & Galloway, Northumberland, Scottish Borders, and Westmorland and Furness Councils - for the first time since the local government reorganisation in Cumbria earlier this year.

The Borderlands Deal is set to provide funding for both the Carlisle Station Gateway Project and the University of Cumbria’s Citadel Project.

The Station Gateway project is a £20 million plan to revitalise the station area including a partial pedestrianisation of Court Square directly outside the station's main entrance, and a redirection of coach and rail replacement services to the back of the station, on its southern side.

News and Star: How the front of the station may look under the plansHow the front of the station may look under the plans (Image: CCC)The former Staples store and the Matalan are set to be demolished as part of the plans to create a new station car park.

The University of Cumbria’s Citadel Project is set to be part-funded by £50million from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and will see the University take over the historic site in what has been described as a ‘boost’ for the city centre.

News and Star: A look at the teaching block from Victoria ViaductA look at the teaching block from Victoria Viaduct (Image: University of Cumbria)The Citadels project involves the redevelopment of the existing structures and the construction of new buildings, with high quality, digital enabled teaching areas, facilities for administration and support services as well as creative and cultural spaces.

Jack Stopforth, Chair of the Borderlands Economic Forum, said: “We are now in year three of this ten-year deal and it is great to be able to showcase the successes we have achieved since the signing in March 2021.

“Working in partnership the five councils have already made exceptional progress, but today is as much about looking forward as well as back.

“Whether it's significant capital projects on both sides of the border, or programmes to encourage green growth and enable infrastructure, we have lots we want to make happen to improve the region for residents, businesses and visitors.”