Calls made for reopening of Fisher Street entrance to Carlisle market

Access from Fisher Street has existed since the market opened in 1889, but the closure of the Wilko store now means shoppers can only reach the market from Scotch Street and West Tower Street.

Julie Minns, Carlisle Labour parliamentary candidate, called on the landlord of the market – BAE Systems Pension Fund, to reopen the entrance.

She said she fears that without urgent action, shops and businesses in Carlisle’s town centre will suffer.

She said: “Whilst the increase in online shopping is a threat to traditional retail, there is also a growing demand for a different retail experience, demand that other markets, like Newcastle's Grainger Market and Bury Market have been able to capitalise on.

Julie Minns (Image: Supplied)

“I believe Carlisle's market can similarly thrive, but it needs to fully accessible and that means reopening the Fisher Street entrance."

The market is currently leased to BAE Systems Pensions fund and managed on their behalf by Glasgow-based property agents Ryden. 

Ms Minns said she has written to both BAE Systems Pension Fund and Ryden asking them to create a secure entrance from Fisher Street.

She said she also asked Cumberland Council to review the terms of the lease to ensure that the obligations of the landlord to maintain communal entrances are being met.

In the letter to Ryden - written jointly with 14 of the market traders and before Wilko ceased trading - Julie Minns asks the Managing Agents to resolve the Fisher Street entrance closure as a matter of urgency, and requests an in-person meeting to discuss how the landlord, Ryden, Cumberland Council and market traders can work together to 'ensure Carlisle Market prospers, grows, and makes a positive contribution to the city's reputation as an attractive place to live, work and visit’.

“The longer this issue drags on the greater the impact on our town centre.

“That’s why I have now asked council officers to also contact Ryden to press our call for an urgent meeting, and have written again to BAE Systems Pension Fund as the landlord responsible.

“I’m confident that if we can get all the parties round the table we can resolve the current challenges and start planning a prosperous future for our market hall,” she added.

A BAE spokesperson said while BAE is the leaseholder, it is the tenant who is responsible for access and, given Wilko’s status, administrators are now involved and are talking to the property management company about the next steps.

The spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the requests to reopen the entrance to the market in light of the closure of Wilko and discussions are ongoing between the property management company and administrators for Wilko who remain responsible for maintaining access.”