Carlisle: What's great about the Great Border City? An outsider's view

Having lived in this city for nearly three years, I’m far from an expert on the city but I believe I’ve seen enough change and plans for the future seem promising.

My honest opinion of the city when I first moved was low, I had come from somewhere rich in nightlife activities, and being close to major cities for bands and sporting events.

Arriving in Carlisle, it took me a while to grow fond of the place, but it was a different time – 2021.

It was just as we were starting to get rid of restrictions and go outside again, and to me at least, I was hoping for more excitement.

Being a 21-year-old it seemed there wasn’t much to do, not much to see, and just generally that it wasn’t a city for me or my partner.

Welcoming guests I can see where this generational divide is – friends of my age agree that there’s really not much to do and there would be no reason to visit if it wasn’t for us to go out together.

Yes, let's go to Newcastle! It's fun and there are things to see and do! 

Of course, a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh will be great! 

Can't wait to go to Manchester! We don't need a plan, we can just see what's there!

I have never heard anyone speak of Carlisle this way, or go to Carlisle just for the sake of it, not in my age group at least, and to be frank, there isn't really anything that is a significant draw to the area.

What does it actually have that makes the trip worth it?

I love the city and its people, but it helps no one to hide from this feeling and while I'm here I want it to be exciting and get Carlisle on that stage.

But my and my partner’s parents have both spoken highly of the area, they love its size meaning everything is in walking distance, the architecture, and how clean it is.

It's lovely to hear this, and let's never ignore the opinions of those 40-60, but we need to attract younger people, not become a place to retire in, but to make a start in.

However, in 2024, it’s grown on me a fair amount.

I’ve seen empty units become filled with new independent businesses and some regional chains, like Bordo Lounge, and as someone who enjoys eating out, more options have emerged, like Beirut Bites, Doughluxe, Namh Moon, and OKA Tapasu, just to name a few.

I’ve been to some great gigs at some local venues like The Brickyard and Source and made some new friends.

But it does still feel, to me and my friends in their early 20s, that it just needs something indescribable, an x-factor that I can’t quite put my finger on.

With Devonshire Street developments set to pedestrianise and modernise the centre, and the Station Gateway project underway to get rid of old unsightly units on our skyline, I’m hopeful it will be even better.

Artist's concept of future of Devonshire Street (Image: Cumberland Council)

The city is due to welcome an influx of students who will be coming from all across the UK, and the world, and it’s in our interests to see it become something impressive.

It needs variety, vibrancy, and a forward-thinking youthful approach to high street planning.

Just some of the things that could improve the city in this way is turning the old Debenhams unit into an independent cinema that could show alternative films.

Another idea is taking control of vacant properties to reduce rates to rent them out, in hopes that it would attract interesting and unique independent shops.

One thing that became apparent when I spoke to sixth formers who were at the time going to further education is they feel Carlisle has no variety of shops for clothes or home goods, and I think it could and should if it were more accessible.

Bringing more out of the city’s nightlife would be positive as well – there are very few options for late night entertainment, and new students will expect this.

Overall, though, the city needs high ambition and to take risks when changing the city – it and our current and future residents deserve a city that is worth visiting on its own, worth the trip from other cities, and worth exciting investment.

I’m optimistic about what will happen, but the wheel mustn’t stop if we’re to realise the goal of becoming the region’s capital.