A MILESTONE has been reached in the regeneration of Carlisle's southern entrance, contractors have announced. 

Phase one of the Carlisle Southern Gateway Project has been completed by Story Contracting for Cumberland Council as of the end of September. 

The Carlisle Southern Gateway Project forms part of broader city regeneration plans geared towards creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city centre - where over £80 million of public funding is being invested. 

According to Story Contracting, over the last four months, contractors have completed the works on Victoria Viaduct, which consisted of excavating the existing footway, followed by the installation of new ducting, drainage, concrete slabs, bus shelter, street furniture, kerb lines, and finishing with sandstone and granite paving.

The completion of phase one paves the way for phases two and three of the project.

These will see work continue from the midpoint at English Street down to the Botchergate junction.

In November 2024, additional safety barriers will be erected.

Read more: Progress update on city's multi-million-pound projects

Story Contracting will continue to work through December, but will pause during the festive season. 

Looking forward to 2025, a new phase will begin on the other side of English Street near Devonshire Street.

The project is expected to be complete by spring 2025.

In a similar nature, work on the Victoria Viaduct is moving forward with Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd from Penrith now on-site at the location of the former Central Plaza.

Scaffolding is up to facilitate the safe removal of the party wall, ensuring the area remains tidy and secure for future use.

Elsewhere in the city, work continues in the Greenmarket area with work beginning last weekend on the 'careful' relocation of the war memorial.

The memorial will be repositioned, with full support from the British Legion, ensuring that the Remembrance Sunday commemorations on November 10 will proceed as planned.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering, the contractor for this project, will be holding a drop-in session regarding the Greenmarket and Market Square projects today (October 1) at The Crown and Mitre from 2pm to 5pm.