Carlisle has played a pivotal role in the Borders ever since its origins as part of the Roman Empire.


However, as much as history and heritage continue to play a major part in the life of the city, it is developments on the horizon in the very near future which are exciting its businesses and residents.
The much-anticipated £225million Southern Link Road, connecting Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West is due to be completed by next summer, enabling the development of 10,000 new homes at the equally anticipated St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.
Meanwhile, the Carlisle Station Gateway Project to rejuvenate the city centre around the train station is under way, while Devonshire Street is currently closed for over £2 million of work to rejuvenate both it and adjoining English Street with more outdoor seating, street furniture, benches, cycle parking, trees and plants.
This is in addition to work to develop a new University of Cumbria campus in the Citadel buildings, a £78million project which is tipped to be completed by 2026.
At the same time, museum and gallery Tullie House will reopen this autumn following a major renovation project to create a new gallery, entrance and shopping area on its ground floor.
John Stevenson says the investment due to be made in Carlisle over the next three to five years means it is well placed to cement its status as a regional capital for the north west Borders and south west Scotland.
“You’ve got substantial public sector investment that will improve the skills and infrastructure in and around the city and that is often the foundation for a successful town, city or place,” he said.
“From a business perspective, they want to see the skills, they want to see the infrastructure spending, but they’ve also got to have confidence in the place and I think that is critical.
“If businesses are confident they will invest and develop a place and I think because of the public sector investment you are seeing a confidence in the area.”