Tesco are hoping to open their new ‘Express’ store in Carlisle city centre by early 2025.

The major retailer is to move into the old House of Fraser unit in the city centre, providing a much-needed boost for the high street.

The House of Fraser store, on English Street, officially closed its doors towards the end of May 2024, 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.

READ MORE: Dalston Road to remain closed until December despite work breakthrough

Caffé Nero has also signed a new 10-year lease for its site with plans to self-contain the unit, and agents Carigiet Cowen Ltd has also received another offer from another major national high-street retailer, which currently does not have a presence in Carlisle, to take approximately 10,000 square feet of the site between the proposed supermarket and Caffé Nero.

There is currently a major project underway to help regenerate the city centre and despite the works, Tesco have said they are confident they won’t impact their plans.

An official opening date will be announced soon.