Save Our Lonsdale study gets underway

Specialist arts consultants Roger Lancaster have been commissioned by Carlisle City Council to undertake a feasibility study on plans drawn together by the Save Our Lonsdale group to develop the former cinema into a theatre and arts centre.

The City Council has pledged to support the group and have funded the new study, which will be based on the draft plans drawn together by the group. Their plans were presented to the City Council earlier this year and a detailed assessment will now be made. This will include the creation of preliminary drawings and costings.

The work is expected to take several months and the findings will be presented back to the City Council and the Save Our Lonsdale group.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson said:

"There is a high level of support and potential for a theatre and performing arts centre in the city which could provide major social, cultural and economic benefits for the city.

"The feasibility study will look at the possibility of developing the Lonsdale building as a theatre and arts centre. A lot of work has been done by the Save Our Lonsdale group and we felt that their plans should be developed further. Our specialist consultants will help establish whether the site is fit for purpose and if it can meet the city’s aspirations."