PLANNING permission is being sought to implement a major part of a £27 million project to 'transform the perception of Carlisle'.

Cumberland Council and its project partners have submitted the application for the redevelopment of Court Square and Citadel Station forecourt, which the design and access statement describes as the 'first impression of the city' for visitors.

The 'Northern Gateway' proposal is part of a wider regeneration project that sees the transformation of parts of Carlisle city centre.

Referring to wider project, the statement says: "In particular, George Square will see the development of a new station car park which will divert most vehicle traffic from the north of the station toward the south, creating a new Southern Gateway.

"This will allow the shift from a vehicular focus within Court Square to create a more enhanced arrival space, one that is pedestrian focused and more befitting of the character of the setting."

It is proposed that vehicular access to Court Square be limited to staff and disabled parking, with access for maintenance and emergency service vehicles, and the installation of benches and controlled bollards to create a ‘barrier’

Pedestrian crossings would be created toward Court Brow and across Botchergate from the revamped square, providing access to the city centre and taxi rank.

(Image: Cumberland Council)

The current island in the road across Botchergate would be removed, allowing for a 'remodelling' of the highway system around the station.

The statement says that a temporary three-way traffic light system would be used while these works take place.

The work would be completed in two phases, firstly at Botchergate, English Street, Court Brow and The Crescent junction.

The proposal also seeks to reintroduce the Lawson Fountain back to its original position, before it was moved in 1936 to Stonyholme Golf Club.

The statement says: "Within the station building, it is proposed that the WHSmith is relocated to allow changes to the building’s facade.

 "This would be in the form of a more accessible entrance.

"Enhancements to the public realm, including landscaping, additional benches and seating, and lighting improvements have also been proposed within the Court Square area.

"The overriding objective of the local plan is to assert Carlisle's position as the centre of economic activity and prosperity within the wider Cumbria district, including capitalising on the region's existing rail and transport infrastructure."