Cumberland Council is informing residents and businesses about upcoming tree maintenance and bench removal in Market Square and Greenmarket, scheduled to begin in early September.
The regeneration project has already underway, with hoardings set up in the city centre to facilitate enhancements to the 6,000-square-metre area.
The goal is to transform it into a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors, featuring a multifunctional events space for various activities and gatherings.
In the area that the war memorial will be moved to, two smaller trees will be carefully removed to facilitate the relocation. The repositioning of the war memorial is fully supported by the British Legion. Detailed surveys have shown that these trees are affected by Ash Dieback. The council emphasises that tree removal is a last resort, carried out only when trees are dead, dying, diseased, or pose a safety hazard. To improve the local environment, four new trees will be planted.
Benches in the Greenmarket area will also be removed, with memorial nameplates carefully stored and preserved to be added to new benches when they are installed.
The ongoing improvement works may impact on the city centre events programme. However, the council is committed to keeping the community informed and will provide updates regarding any potential changes. Remembrance Sunday commemorations on 10 November will proceed as planned.
Businesses will remain open as usual, and deliveries will not be disrupted. The council encourages continued support for local businesses during the regeneration and thanks everyone for their support and patience, with the ongoing works.
The Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project is part of a larger initiative to regenerate Carlisle. Full details can be found on the Cumberland Council website.