WE shared the news that a 25-year-old is playing a key role in ambitious plans to transform a historic building in Carlisle into student accommodation. 

Carlisle's BDR Properties, founded by Ricardo Taborda, has seen significant growth over the past year, expanding from three properties on the books to now "overseeing over 30".

Ricardo launched the business in 2021 while still working at DFS.

BDR Properties is currently involved in the redevelopment of Victory House, a six-storey building in Carlisle’s city centre, into student accommodation.

The proposed plans, submitted to the council, include 78 student rooms, 26 cycle spaces, communal areas, and a restaurant at street level.

Here's what readers thought.

Graham Moore said: "Well done Ricardo. Really hope you enjoy your vision."

Pat Kirkup said: "Someone could do the same with Bullough's building. Apartments rather like Portland Square upstairs and on the ground floor, a variety of retail and restaurants. Such a lovely building."

Jackie Rudd said: "Good luck lads, great to see local people investing back into their local city."

Steph Counter said: "Amazing, good luck with the project."

One web user said: "I think you’d be onto a winner with an African restaurant. Best of luck to you," while another added: "Depends on the type of cuisine, Africa is a whole continent with vastly different cuisines, but certainly I'd be frequenting a place that did good Nigerian or Ghanaian food."

Another said: "I personally think a mixture of world foods. Japanese, Polish, Mexican etc. Something different all under one roof. Having the choice to dine in and also take out would be great too."