Carlisle Station Gateway Project: the next phase of progression

Cumberland Council has announced the progression of the Carlisle Station Gateway project, marking a pivotal step forward in the revitalisation of Carlisle city centre.

Over £80m of public funding is being invested in projects around Carlisle city centre. This aims to maximise the area’s potential and attract and retain more people at the heart of the city.

The overarching goal is to attract and retain a vibrant community at the heart of the city, with projects at Carlisle Station, the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels Campus, development plans for Devonshire Street and English Street, and in the Greenmarket area.

As the Local Highway and Transport Authority, Cumberland Council is committed to improving the area for all users, promoting active travel, and establishing pedestrian connections that align with these developments. The public spaces in the city centre will be improved, providing an area where people want to spend time, providing an improved gateway to the city.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the Carlisle Station Gateway project, a strategic regeneration project included in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The initiative targets the rejuvenation of both Carlisle city centre and the broader Borderlands region. Cumberland Council in partnership with Network Rail has secured over £27 million of funding for this project.

This project will include several key components:

• Northern Gateway: Court Square - Partial pedestrianisation of Court Square and improved pedestrian connections to and from the station.

• Station Interior: Enhancements to the Court Square access, improved facilities for customers and an upgraded and welcoming entrance from George Square.

• Southern Gateway: George Square (station entrance from James Street) - Public car parking being relocated to George Square to reduce the vehicular traffic at Court Square together with drop-off and bus replacement services.

• Enabling Streets and Junctions: A focus on improving access at Water Street and Court Square Brow to improve access to the station, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

The next phase of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project will be improvements to the Water Street / James Street junction.

The construction phase is set to commence on Tuesday 29 August, with Story Contracting Limited establishing their on-site welfare accommodation using an existing workshop unit on the corner of James Street and St Stephens Street.

Roadworks will begin week commencing Monday 4 September 2023, and are anticipated to continue until approximately January 2024, subject to weather conditions. These works will affect Water Street, James Street, Currock Street and Rome Street, and we will aim to reduce traffic disruptions as much as possible.

However, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, allowing for extra travel time in case of any possible delays.

Cumberland Council wishes to thank the community for patience and support while improvements are made during the Carlisle Station Gateway project and apologises for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 or visit the Cumberland Council website.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:

“This investment for Carlisle Railway Station has been several years in the planning and will improve both the station and immediate area for residents, students, local businesses, and our visitors.

"The station serves over two million passengers annually and is a central hub for travel across the Borderlands region, so this investment will greatly benefit everyone.

“I am looking forward to seeing the transformation take place and would like to extend my gratitude to everyone for their incredible patience and support during these developments.”

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