Cumberland Council have confirmed that the newly regenerated Devonshire Street in Carlisle will open soon.

The project construction began in February 2024, has been successfully completed in five months, transforming the area with outdoor seating, street furniture, benches, cycle parking, trees, and plants, and will officially open on the week commencing August 5.

This £2.04 million government-funded investment has created a high-quality, welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

To celebrate this milestone, Cumberland Council, in collaboration with local contractors Eric Wright Civil Engineering Limited and businesses on Devonshire Street, invites the community to join a celebration event on, Saturday 3 August from 1pm to 6pm.

A music stage will be set up at the base of Devonshire Street (near Lowther Street) featuring performances by local bands. For more details, please visit the council’s Facebook page.

The Devonshire Street project is part of a broader regeneration initiative in Carlisle, which includes:

  • Carlisle Southern Gateway Project on English Street, aiming to regenerate the southern entrance to the city. This project is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
  • Carlisle Station Gateway Project, involving partial pedestrianisation of Court Square and enhanced accessibility from George Square, and will be finalised in 2027.
  • Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project, starting in summer 2024, which will create a 6,000-square-metre multifunctional events space and relocate the war memorial with the support of the British Legion. This project is set to be completed by spring 2025.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:

"The investment in Carlisle city centre is testament to Cumberland Council’s commitment to the city's growth and development. We would like to thank our contractor, Eric Wright Civil Engineering Limited, for finalising the work. I would also like to thank all the businesses on Devonshire Street and residents of Carlisle, for their patience and cooperation during this project.

"The new revitalised area in Carlisle will help to promote positive outcomes for the health and well-being of our entire community, while attracting more footfall and boosting economic activity."