Another empty building in Carlisle city centre is set to be filled in a move that has been welcomed by Julie Minns and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. 

Work is already underway to get the new Armed Forces Careers centre ready to open on Abbey Street with new signage and interior work being undertaken. 

The centre, which was previously on English Street, has taken over the former Hunters estate agents building. 

Julie Minns, Carlisle's MP, said: "The first duty of any government is to keep the nation safe and protect our citizens, and we can't do that without strong armed forces. 

"The Armed Forces Careers centre isn't just a vital part of our city, it's a vital part of our country's defence. The move to a new location will only benefit it. It is another step in the rejuvenation of Carlisle, and brings further life to a central city street that has already been boosted by the new look Chivers running shop 

"I hope the new location and attractive entrance will encourage more people to pop in and learn more about this vital career pathway."

Joe Sanders, from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "It’s positive to see that another empty building in Carlisle’s city centre looks to be occupied with the move of the Armed Forces Recruitment Centre to Abbey Street.

"Over the past few months, we’ve seen several vacant buildings in the city centre developed into residential property and hospitality businesses.

"It’s been great to see the resulting increased activity and vibrancy this has brought to the city. And with regeneration projects underway on Devonshire Street and at Carlisle Station, we expect this momentum to continue."