Cumberland Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Krol Corlett Construction Limited as the lead contractor for the ambitious transformation of Carlisle Library.
This major redevelopment, funded by the UK Government’s Carlisle Town Deal, represents a £3.3 million investment in the city’s cultural and educational future.
The project aims to revitalise Carlisle Library into a cutting-edge learning and community hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities tailored to modern users' needs. Planned improvements include a dedicated children’s zone, social spaces, adult learning classrooms, study areas, and a display area for The Jackson Collection. Additionally, the building will undergo structural enhancements, rewiring, and infrastructure upgrades to support the latest technology.
A temporary library space is available within the existing building, ensuring uninterrupted access to key services during construction.The first floor will remain open to the public and will feature a fantastic fiction section, while the second floor remains closed for refurbishment. Digital services, including the Borrowbox app, will continue as usual. Meanwhile, the Adult Learning Service has relocated to the Civic Centre in Carlisle, where normal operations will continue.
Local history and genealogy resources, such as Ancestry, FindMyPast, and digital archives, will remain accessible via public library computers. For those requiring access to physical local history materials, the Carlisle Archive Centre will continue to operate by appointment, offering a wealth of original archives, books, maps, and photographs. More details are available on the Cumberland Council website.
Cumberland Council thanks the community for their patience and support throughout this redevelopment. The Carlisle Library transformation is a key component of the wider £19.7 million Town Deal Investment Plan, which also funds other strategic initiatives such as the Carlisle Southern Gateway improvements and enhancements at Tullie. Together, these projects underscore a strong commitment to the city’s growth and prosperity.
Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, stated:
“We are investing £19.7 million as part of the Town Deal Investment Plan, contributing to over £100 million in overall regeneration funding for the city. This investment demonstrates both our dedication to the city’s future and the Government’s confidence in our vision.
“The transformation of Carlisle Library into a state-of-the-art learning and community hub is a key part of our strategy to modernise local services. This project, alongside other regeneration efforts, will ensure that our city remains a vibrant and forward-looking place for generations to come.”
Daniel Tebay, Managing Director, of Krol Corlett Construction Limited, added:
“We are thrilled to be working alongside the team at Cumberland Council in delivering the transformation of Carlisle Library, a key part of the wider £100 million investment in the city. At Krol Corlett Construction, we recognise the vital role projects like these play in strengthening local communities, and we are proud to bring over 50 years of expertise in delivering high-quality public sector developments.
“This project will be delivered predominantly through the local supply chain, allowing us to create wider career and employment opportunities in the region. We look forward to collaborating closely with Cumberland Council to successfully deliver this new, modern learning and community hub, while also fostering long-term partnerships within the local community.”
