Cumberland Council has announced the upcoming phase of progress for the Carlisle Station Gateway project.
The Carlisle Station Gateway project, a strategic regeneration project included in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, is an initiative that targets the rejuvenation of both Carlisle city centre and the broader Borderlands region.
This project has some key parts:
1. Northern Gateway (Court Square):
Partial pedestrianisation of Court Square, providing an attractive high-quality space prioritised for pedestrians and cyclists.
Improving walking connections to and from the station.
2. Southern Gateway (George Square):
Creation of a new southern entrance to the station together with new car parking and public plaza.
Public car parking will be relocated from the northern station car park to the south entrance to reduce the vehicular traffic at Court Square.
3. Station Interior:
An upgraded and welcoming entrance from George Square with works to the station undercroft to improve access into the station. Secure cycle parking is also included.
4. Enabling Streets and Junctions:
Junction improvements at Water Street and Court Square Brow to improve access to the station, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
The next phase of this project will be the demolition of The Pools and the empty Staples building adjacent to Matalan, on James Street.
These projects have been contracted to Eric Wright Civil Engineering, and will begin on Monday 27 November.
In the first week, workers will set up their work area behind the Staples unit and Matalan.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the council are reminding people that James Street, Water Street, and George Street will stay open, and all local businesses will remain open.
The Turkish Baths will remain intact but will continue to remain closed.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council and Borderlands Partnership co-chair, said:
"It is incredibly exciting to kick off these transformative initiatives, and as the Local Highway and Transport Authority, Cumberland Council is dedicated to enhancing the area for everyone, fostering active travel, and creating pedestrian connections that harmonise with these plans.
"The revitalisation of public spaces in the city centre will offer an inviting environment, becoming a place where people choose to spend their time and contributing to an enhanced gateway to the city.
"I am looking forward to watching the positive transformation unfold and want to thank our residents, businesses and visitors for their remarkable patience and unwavering support throughout this process."
Rory Kingdon, senior sponsor at Network Rail, said:
"We are delighted with current progress to regenerate Carlisle railway station, which is one of our major stations on the West Coast main line.
"The funding provided by government and Cumberland Council to regenerate this important transport hub will not only make the station more welcoming to passengers travelling between England and Scotland, but it will also attract more visitors to shops, businesses and attractions in this part of the historic city."