TESCO has affirmed its "commitment" to Carlisle's city centre, as the search for a new store location continues.

Its closure in 2023 left a hole in the core of the city's retail sector with Marks & Spencer being the only supermarket option left on the city's high street. 

The original decision to shut the supermarket dates back to June 2022.

The intention to shut the store was announced in June 2022 but was accelerated due to concerns around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), according to a staff member as reported by the News & Star at the time. 

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We remain committed to Carlisle and are actively looking for a site to open a new store.

"We will keep the local community updated with any developments," they said. 

The supermarket's closure at the time was described as a 'huge loss' for the inner-city retail scene.

Excitement had been raised when it was announced a new supermarket would be moving into the former Edinburgh Woolen Mill store on English Street.

However, it was later revealed a SPAR store would be moving in. 

Construction firm, McKnight, is expected to finish renovations of the external building next week with the store scheduled to open later this year. 

Meanwhile, the former Tesco building is still on the market, advertised by Carigiet Cowan, for a negotiable annual rent of around £175,000.

It first went on the market shortly after its initial closure. 

A potential freehold sale may also be considered for the building. 

The property itself spans approximately 27,000 square feet and includes an extra 2,869 square feet spread across first and second-floor office space.

It also comes with a car park under the building providing approximately 30 parking spots.

The large-scale interior makes up for a versatile business space, suitable for a variety of uses subject to planning, including another supermarket, retail warehouse, leisure centre, and possibly a hotel - developments that have the potential to go hand-in-hand with the University of Cumbria's upcoming  £78m Citadel project. 

For viewings and more details on the former supermarket,  interested parties are advised to contact Ben Blain at bblain@carigietcowen.co.uk.