City masterplan to 'build on regeneration momentum'

News imageCumberland Council A bench seat in the market square which has been spruced upCumberland Council
Regeneration work on Market Square and Greenmarket in Carlisle has been carried out

Residents and businesses in Carlisle are being reminded that there is still time to have their say on plans for the city's long term future.

Cumberland Council is holding a consultation on a draft masterplan covering the next 25 years and beyond to address challenges and "build on the momentum" created by recent investment.

The authority said dozens of people attended a recent engagement event, with two further ones being held at the Assembly Rooms in the Old Town Hall on Monday and Wednesday.

There have also been more than 200 responses to an online consultation, and people have until 31 July to add their views.

The plan describes Carlisle as being "a quietly successful city" with a "distinctive historic character and identity".

However, there are challenges such as key buildings being unused, major roads "severing the city centre" and a lack of good housing.

News imageCumberland Council Stone seating area round a newly paved walkway with shops in the background, including The Entertainer toy shopCumberland Council
The council says it has been investing in Carlisle to improve the city centre

Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: "There has been significant investment in Carlisle and the recent improvement works in the city centre have provided significant benefits.

"We need to build on the momentum and support the city's economic future.

"The draft masterplan represents a vision and a strategy that sets the direction for regeneration in the city for the next 25 years and beyond."

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.