As the closure of Carlisle's House of Fraser looms closer, residents have been sharing their varied ideas for they want to see fill its space. 

At the beginning of March, signs were placed among closing down sale stickers indicating the store would be closing in May 2024. 

The closure of the department store also means bidding farewell to Caffe Nero, housed within the same building on English Street.

However, coffee bosses confirmed they are actively seeking a new premise to operate from within the city. 

Matt J Rayson said the city was 'desperate' for a bigger theatre venue that could potentially bring in popular West End productions. 

"We have the bars restaurants and cafes to serve them, Crown and Mitre hotel next door too," he wrote. 

Catherine Jayne would like to see a family-friendly destination akin to Coral Island in Blackpool: "Games arcade, small rides, indoor play area. Something different to soft play, maybe like an indoor all-weather play based on something like Disney or Harry Potter.

"Carlisle needs some good family entertainment for all ages," she said.

In a similar vein, Sammy Smith said: "Imagine a decent entertainment area, bowling, arcades, soft play, bar for the parents, a few internal food brands.

"Electric Karts.

"The place is big enough. It would be packed, Carlisle is boring and needs something like that," she wrote. 

Marco Berti called for popular national restaurants that currently don't have a presence within the city such as "Yo! Sushi, Wagamama’s, or Miller & Carter".

Other shouts for clothing, hardware shops and supermarkets were also raised.  

Amidst the enthusiasm for entertainment and dining options, some residents raised concerns about potential vacancies mirroring those of other shuttered establishments like Debenhams, Wilkos, and Tesco at Victoria Viaduct. 

David Eyley said: "If they can't fill Debenhams, which is modern, doesn't have sloping floors and old staircases, cranky lifts, and numerous main and intermediate levels, House of Fraser stands no chance. Maybe a proper theatre/concert venue? 

"Now that would pull in people, and maybe some more restaurants would spring up too," he wrote.