Renaissance Gathers Pace with Progress on Key Projects

(Date of Issue: 23 March 2008 - issued by Carlisle Renaissance)

The renaissance of Carlisle is gathering pace as the Board pushes ahead on key projects that will improve the long term prosperity of Carlisle and its surrounding areas.

The Renaissance Board, which met on Monday, signalled a growing momentum on priorities including a new campus for the University of Carlisle, and making more of the city’s unique Historic Quarter.

Bryan Gray, Chair of Carlisle Renaissance, said:

“Carlisle, like everywhere else at the moment, is facing big challenges arising from the global economic situation, and we are working to address this. Right now we are planning investment in promoting the City's unique heritage offer to bring more people into Carlisle this summer. Alongside this we are making good progress in bringing forward the University development at Caldew Riverside, which is key to the long term prosperity of Carlisle and Cumbria.”

Site investigations at Caldew Riverside, earmarked as the spot for University’s new campus, begin this week. Plans for the 200,000 square foot development are progressing, and in the next two to three months there will be opportunities for the public to find out more about detailed plans including a major design competition to select the architects for the scheme.

Carlisle’s Historic Quarter, meanwhile, is set to get a boost as partners in the heritage and tourism sector collaborate on plans to establish the area as a signature tourism project for Cumbria. It is expected that the Historic Quarter will be launched into the tourism market in time for summer this year.

Ian McNichol, Director of Carlisle Renaissance, said:

“We are planning investment in marketing and promoting the Historic Quarter’s unique assets and in events and attractions this summer. We hope to see this supplemented by investment in the public realm, in Castle Street, and resolution to the parking issues.”

Renaissance has also kick-started work on options for developing and improving the Cathedral Precinct, whilst English Heritage is working on a plan for the Castle.