THE war memorial in Carlisle's city centre is set to stand in its new and more prominent location next month. 

The relocation of the memorial is part of Cumberland Council's broader £4 million project, funded by the Future High Streets Fund, which aims to transform the Greenmarket and Market Square area.

This will also include a multifunctional events space for various activities.

The Royal British Legion has backed the relocation of the cenotaph.

Margaret Wadsworth, secretary of the British Legion for Carlisle and Stanwix, said: "We think it’s a good idea to move it into a central position.

"It hasn’t been there forever, only in the last 40 years or so – there never was a war memorial in the centre of the town before that.

"To have it in the centre as more of a focal point for people is a good idea. It's kind of shut away in the corner in its current location, now it’ll attract more attention, and hopefully good attention," she said. 

With the monument expected to be in place come October, the paving around it is expected to be completed in time for Remembrance Sunday on November 10. 

“The parade will take a slightly different route this year and be different to what it has been in the past as work continues in the town centre," Ms Wadsworth said. 

War Memorial's current location. War Memorial's current location. (Image: RHenrys)

"While this year might not be what it’s like in the future, we will certainly be having an Armistice parade on November 10.

"We hope to have the war memorial rededicated in the new year when the work is finished," she said. 

This week, Cumberland Council also announced plans for tree maintenance and bench relocation at the site, citing tree health issues caused by Ash Dieback.

The council stressed that the removal of the two trees on-site is a measure taken only when they pose a safety concern or are dead, dying, or diseased.

Following the revamp, four new trees will take root around the area.

The council will also remove some benches in the Greenmarket area, with memorial nameplates being kept secure and installed on new benches in due course. 

The work on the Greenmarket and Market Square, which first began in August, is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been chosen as the contractor for the project.

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