Cumberland Council has announced that the multi-million-pound Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project in Carlisle is to begin this August.
With investment from the central government, the council is dedicated to enhancing the 6,000-square-metre area in the city centre, transforming it into an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. This project will create a unique multifunctional events space for various activities and gatherings.
- Week commencing Monday 12 August: The site offices and welfare facilities will be set up on Castle Street, the site engineers and surveyors will be completing final checks of the site area.
- Week commencing Monday 19 August: A construction compound will be set up, with fencing installed on the highway at the end of Castle Street (near Specsavers). This will impact traffic and pedestrian flow, but full signage will be provided to help with navigation. A walkway for pedestrians will always be maintained, although its location may change periodically for construction purposes. Construction work will begin, including the relocation of the war memorial with the support of the British Legion. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering Limited has been appointed as the contractor for this project and has actively engaged with local residents and businesses to provide a comprehensive update about the work schedule. Both the council and the contractor aim to collaborate with businesses and residents to make the construction phase as smooth and convenient as possible for everyone.
The improvement works may impact on the city centre events programme, but the council is committed to keeping the community informed and will provide updates in the coming months regarding any potential changes. However, they can confirm that the Summer International Market, planned for Thursday 22 until Monday 26 August and Remembrance Sunday commemorations on Sunday 10 November will go ahead as planned.
The council emphasises that all businesses will remain open as usual and encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting them.
The regeneration project will include the careful removal of two trees in the area, as detailed surveys have revealed that they are affected by Ash Dieback. The council assures the community that tree removal is always a last resort, strictly following its policy to remove trees only when they are dead, dying, diseased, or pose a safety hazard. To enhance the local environment, the council will plant four new trees to replace the two that need to be removed.
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.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
"The regeneration projects we are managing in Carlisle highlight Cumberland Council's commitment to enhancing our already attractive and historic city.
“Beginning this August, the Market Square and Greenmarket Regeneration Project will transform Carlisle's city centre into a vibrant, multifunctional space that will benefit both residents and visitors.
“We are dedicated to keeping the public and local businesses informed throughout the process, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we work to make our city even more inviting."
For more information or to join the project information list, please contact the Cumberland Council’s project team at Carlisle.projects@cumberland.gov.uk
