Charities and social enterprises in Cumberland are set to benefit from a revamp planned for the Tribe site in Carlisle.
The temporary site, adjacent to Bitts Park play area, was set up using government funding in 2021. Planning approval will expire at end of March 2026 and as most units are vacant, Cumberland Council is repurposing most of the industrial units.
They will be passed on to a variety of charitable organisations including The ReBuild Site CIC, Watchtree Wheelers at Watchtree Nature Reserve and Northside Speedway, Workington.
The organisations are covering the transportation costs, and the council is in the process of drawing together an improvement plan for the site once the units have been removed this Friday (13 September).
The Tasty Greek, a takeaway café business popular with visitors to Bitts Park, will remain on the site as will the public toilets.
To further enhance the aesthetics of the area, local artist Lydia Leith has been commissioned to spruce up the exterior of the Bitts Park lodge. Lydia and her father, Paul Leith, have previously created murals for the subway entrance from Bitts Park to Hardwicke Circus. The artwork is to improve the look of the building while the long-term plans for the site are being looked into.
The artwork will be installed soon.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“Bitts Park has recently undergone a series of works, including the reopening of the tennis courts and a revamp of the site with hard and soft landscaping improvements.
“Plans are now being developed for the Tribe site. The container units were always intended to be temporary, and it is great to see that we have found new uses for them - to the benefit of local charitable organisations. I’m also delighted that Lydia Leith has been commissioned to provide some artistic flair to the Bitts Park lodge building.”
Bitts Park car park will be closed on Friday 13 September to support the movement of the industrial units