Looking back at Carlisle throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s

In the 1970s, Carlisle was home to thriving industries like manufacturing, textiles, and engineering. Carlisle United Football Club was enjoying a period of success, in 1975, Carlisle United where plying their trade in the First Division following a shock rise to the top tier of the English game. 

The final stretch of the M6 motorway opened between junctions 6 (Spaghetti Junction) and 7 north of Birmingham, with the motorway stretching more than 200 miles from Rugby to Carlisle.

In the 1980s, Carlisle, went through several developments and changes. The economy of Carlisle in the 1980s was primarily focused on services, retail, and manufacturing industries. The area saw a decline in traditional industries like mining and steel production.

The Lanes shopping Centre is the main thing many will think of when they imagine Carlisle's high street. The contract was awarded to John Laing Construction, Northern Division in October 1982 taking approximately two years to build.

The complex included four major stores, 50 smaller shopping units, a three-level county library, 27 housing units, offices and a multi-storey car park. The shopping centre was officially opened on 19th November 1984.

The city improved its transport links, including the completion of the M6 motorway and the creation of the Carlisle Inner Ring Road.

By the 1990s, The University of Cumbria had just launched, thereby attracting students from around the world, and rail updates were made to provide more transport links.