The announcement of a new Tesco Express in the city centre has been described as a ‘real boost’ for Carlisle by the mayor.

Following the closure of the retailer’s Victoria Viaduct store, the Tesco property team have been searching for a viable space for a new convenience store in city for some time.

After a private developer acquired the freehold of the building on English St, Tesco has agreed a lease for a brand-new Express store serving the local community.

An opening date has yet to be announced for the new Tesco Express store but the area manager said that Tesco are ‘looking forward’ to announcing a date.

“This is hopefully the start of a retail fightback in Carlisle,” said Cllr Chris Southward, Mayor of Carlisle.

“It was obviously disappointing when the Victoria Viaduct shop shut but its great to see a big supermarket come to the city centre.

“It's going to get better in the city and there’s more to come so it's looking promising for the high street in the long term.”

The House of Fraser store, on English Street, officially closed its doors towards the end of May, ending a retail story that dates back to 1906.

Fears had been raised throughout the community that the site may have fallen into a similar situation to the city's vacant Debenhams store which closed back in 2021.

The building itself had been purchased for £750,000 after a previous attempt of a sale at £1.25 million fell through in 2023.

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The managing director of Cumbria has said she is ‘hoping’ that the rest of the unit will be taken on by ‘appropriate’ uses.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce managing director, Suzanne Caldwell said: “It's really positive that Tesco is taking on part of the House of Fraser store.

“This is a key site, which has a real impact on the city centre and having a city centre supermarket offer is important in itself.