Here’s a round up of how the projects are progressing.
The Carlisle Station Gateway project is a £27 million strategic regeneration scheme forming part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
The project aims to transform Carlisle Station and its surrounding areas, creating a modern, accessible, and welcoming gateway to the city and wider Borderlands region.
Partial pedestrianisation of Court Square, providing a high-quality entrance to the station with improved pedestrian connections to the city centre. The Northern station car park will close for public use and will be repurposed for staff, accessible parking and station servicing.
Following planning approval in February 2025, the northern gateway will see:
- The pedestrianisation of Court Square forecourt and parking outside the Griffin pub to create a high-quality, attractive entrance to the station.
- Improved pedestrian links into the city centre.
- The repurposing of the northern station (collier lane) car park for network rail and avanti staff and station servicing only, with public accessible parking for blue badge holder.
A new southern entrance for the station will be created. All public car parking will be relocated to the south entrance to reduce the vehicular traffic at Court Square. Coach services, rail replacement services, additional taxi ranks and pick-up and drop-off facilities will also be relocated to the southern side of the station.
Planning was approved in April 2025 for the transformation of George Square, including:
- Enabling for Network Rail to construct a brand-new southern station entrance.
- Relocation of all public car parking to the south side of the station to reduce traffic congestion at Court Square allowing pedestrianisation.
- New provision for coach services, rail replacement services, taxi ranks, and passenger drop-off/pick-up on the southern approach.
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.
This project aims to enhance the green spaces of Carlisle as part of the Greenway vision.
Start with the Park is a transformative regeneration project aimed at enhancing the green spaces of Carlisle.
Backed by £2.6 million in government funding from the Carlisle Town Deal, this initiative marks the first phase of the Greenway.
The Greenway is a visionary green travel route designed to connect St Cuthbert’s Garden Village (SCGV) with Carlisle city centre and the surrounding countryside.
The primary goal of Start with The Park is to revitalise Hammond’s Pond, creating a more accessible, sustainable, and community-focused space.
The project will bring a variety of improvements, including:
- upgraded play areas
- a brand-new skate park for recreational activities
- new tree planting and enhanced footpaths
- addressing drainage issues within the park
- improved connectivity to Eden Valley Hospice
- development of active travel walking routes in collaboration with Active Cumbria to support health and well-being
- improved wayfinding
- Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) improvements
- car park enhancements
- new cycle storage and repair point
- new entrance signage
Additionally, new crossing points will be added along a busy road, ensuring safe access and better links between Hammond’s Pond and SCGV, which will help promote sustainable and active travel options in the area.
The design phase for active travel routes is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of summer, with construction scheduled to begin in winter 2025.
Improvements to the play park will be carried out gradually over the next two years, with smaller enhancements taking place throughout the year. Work is expected to begin in March 2025.
Completed Works
- Drainage installation from the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) to the café, improving water management in the park
- Demolition of the disused aviary, clearing space for future improvements in the depot area
- Clearance of debris from the Wire Mire Beck, west of the Blackwell Road culvert, to support better park drainage and water flow
- Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) – fully refurbished with new surfacing, fencing, goals, and line markings
- Play area upgrades – the junior play area now features new wet pour surfacing, and fresh infant play equipment has been installed to make playtime even better
Current and Upcoming Works
- Skatepark Development – A tender is currently live for the design and construction of a brand-new concrete skatepark, shaped by local consultation
- Cycle Facilities – Design is ongoing for a new cycle shelter and repair point, which will encourage active travel to and from the park
Market Square and Greenmarket have reopened following a significant regeneration project funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
This project covers more than 5,000 square metres in the heart of the city and aims to support local businesses, increase footfall, and create a more inviting space for both residents and visitors.
The improvements include new paving, street furniture, feature lighting, and natural stone elements.
Greenmarket has been transformed into a dedicated event space.
A former hotel site in Carlisle is set to become a 104-bedroom Premier Inn.
The new development on Victoria Viaduct will also include a restaurant and bar.
The site was previously home to the Central Plaza Hotel, a Grade II listed building that was demolished in 2020 after being declared structurally unsafe.
The hotel, originally known as the Great Central Hotel, was first developed in 1880 following the expansion of Carlisle’s Citadel Train Station.
It ceased trading in 2004 and was taken over by Carlisle City Council, which spent thousands of pounds on safety measures before the structure was eventually demolished.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “These projects represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Carlisle for the future. In August 2024, we completed the vibrant new Devonshire Street. This year, Market Square and Greenmarket have been finalised, adding another key destination to the city centre.
Read More: Carlisle Library to reopen temporary service ahead of Christmas
“Looking ahead, the modernised Southern Gateway and improved station facilities will continue this transformation, creating spaces that are more attractive, accessible and welcoming.
“Together, they will not only boost our local economy but also make Carlisle a city we can all be proud of. In Carlisle alone, more than £100 million is being invested, and we are continuing to transform the city centre into a vibrant place where people want to live, work, learn, and spend time”
