AS work gets completed on Carlisle’s Devonshire Street, the next project in the city’s regeneration plan is set to commence. 

Over £80 million of public funding, from various sources, is anticipated to be invested in projects throughout Carlisle city centre, with an intention to revitalise the city.

Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project

Visualisation of Market Square projectVisualisation of Market Square project (Image: Cumberland Council)

This month (August), construction is due to start on the Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project. 

The multi-million-pound venture aims to remodel the 6,000-square-metre space, to generate a more appealing area for the city centre.

The regenerated space will comprise a stage for live performances, as well as incorporating greenery via trees and planting zones.

Project contractor, Eric Wright Civil Engineering Limited, will begin the project in the coming weeks. 

It involves the relocation of the war memorial, an action endorsed by the British Legion.

The relocation is expected to be completed before Remembrance Day this year.

Adding to the facelift, the neighbouring former House of Fraser building is poised to host a Tesco Express.

However, the opening date remains undisclosed.

 Carlisle Southern Gateway

Work along English StreetWork along English Street (Image: Cumberland Council)

In June, Cumberland Council announced the start of the Carlisle Southern Gateway project on English Street.

This project aims to regenerate the southern entrance to the city, creating a more attractive and vibrant area for residents, businesses, and visitors, and is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

The council eyes to have the Victoria Viaduct bus stop functioning by mid-August.

Work will steadily persist along English Street with extensions to the hoardings planned.

Devonshire Street

The redeveloped Devonshire Street was inaugurated with a lively celebration featuring free live music on August 3.

New planters, trees, seating, lighting and wider pavements have been added to the street in hopes of creating a "high quality, welcoming environment."

The official road opening will take place on Monday, August 5. 

University of Cumbria's Citadels Project

A look at the Citadels project once complete A look at the Citadels project once complete (Image: University of Cumbria)

Elsewhere in the city, the University of Cumbria continues to work behind the scenes in issuing a new tender for the £55m Citadels Project after Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) pulled out of the project as they looked to focus  'decided to focus’ on two new large infrastructure projects.

Further surveys and ground investigations have also been completed, in order to finalise the designs, ahead of moving into the construction phase.

Carlisle Station Gateway

ls demolition pictured in Junels demolition pictured in June (Image: Cumberland Council)

The £28 million Carlisle Station Gateway Project aims to support the growth of passenger traffic, making the station more user-friendly and accessible, as well as prioritising green transport options.  

In Spring, we saw the demolition of the 1970’s pools building and former Staples retail unit to make way for the first phase of George Square. 

The first phase is expected to be completed in early 2025.

Court Square public realm work and improvement of the Court Brow junction is expected to take place in 2025.

The final phase of George Square will be delivered from Autumn 2025 with completion anticipated in 2026.