THE ball is rolling to breathe life into a vacant unit as plans for a cutting-edge microbrewery and bar have been officially submitted to the council. 

Plans seek to change the use of the former Twisted Wheel, which has been empty for 15 years,  to host a bar, microbrewery and visitor centre as part of West Walls Brewing Co's ambitions to bring a new chapter to Carlisle's beer-making legacy. 

West Walls Brewing Co is a joint venture between The Halston and Borderlands Brewery. 

Those behind the project aim to have the new brewery open in time for summer next year. 

The official opening date is set to be announced in the new year. 

Joe Harrison, of West Walls Brewing Co, said: "The space will be something completely new for Carlisle, featuring an open plan bar and brewery area, with the brewing equipment on show, making quite an immersive experience.

"We will also offer brewery tours, tasting days and events.

"People can expect a wide range of beers both our own and guest beers. We will have 10 keg taps and four hand pulls.

"The whole team has a passion for all kinds of beer so we want to showcase a range of styles from real cask ale to more modern keg beers.

"We will also have some great wines on offer," he said.

The team behind West Walls Brewing Co is eagerly looking forward to restoring this building within a historic part of the city. 

The plans submitted to Cumberland Council on December 4 proposes to bring on board three full-time and three part-time positions. 

Whilst the city has Carlisle Brewing Company, located in Kingstown, the city centre has been without a brewery since the closure of Carlisle Brewery on Bridge Street in 1987.

"The space will become a bit of a hub for the community. We envision it being a welcoming space that people can enjoy with or without a pint," Joe said. 

For more exciting updates on this project, follow them on Instagram @westwallsbrewing, Twitter @westwallsbrew, and Facebook at ‘West Walls Brewing Co.’