Carlisle Station Improvements

[D6130]

Given the commercial management of Avanti is likely very similar to the team who weren't exactly stupid when it was Virgin, I suspect that there may have been pressure from above Avanti to put rents up.

Is it not the case that commercial operators of units on TOC-managed stations still pay their rent to Network Rail? I believe that to be the case with the station café at Hebden Bridge.

 

[zwk500]

Is it not the case that commercial operators of units on TOC-managed stations still pay their rent to Network Rail? I believe that to be the case with the station café at Hebden Bridge.

I don't know the ins and outs of the contractual situation I'm afraid.

 

[themiller]

Given the commercial management of Avanti is likely very similar to the team who weren't exactly stupid when it was Virgin, I suspect that there may have been pressure from above Avanti to put rents up.

It’ll all be fine when the entrepreneurs arrive to run the franchises!

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

For those familiar with the area, the mini roundabout into that area off James Street, is having traffic lights installed now instead of said roundabout. Be interesting to see how this affects traffic flow!

Had an appointment in Carlisle today, so swung round that way. Big mistake! They were removing the temporary lights, whilst the new ones were still covered up. Chaotic is the word!

 

[156421]

The Tesco on Victoria Viaduct is also permanently closed. Seems that the whole area around the station is going to rack and ruin.

 

[themiller]

Had an appointment in Carlisle today, so swung round that way. Big mistake! They were removing the temporary lights, whilst the new ones were still covered up. Chaotic is the word!

I was there today to see 807002 pass through the station and the electricians were still doing connections to the lights. I saw the heavy plant being removed from the demolition compound at the pools and Staples so I suppose that it’s been off-hired until the new year.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

The Tesco on Victoria Viaduct is also permanently closed. Seems that the whole area around the station is going to rack and ruin.

The buildings opposite are being readied to become the new university site.

All those big empty buildings over the road? Expect a swathe of new accomodation for students soon!

 

[brad465]

The buildings opposite are being readied to become the new university site.

All those big empty buildings over the road? Expect a swathe of new accomodation for students soon!

That accommodation is going to cost an absolute fortune, student housing is costly enough as it is (I've managed to rent cheaper in later years after graduating while also earning a lot more than a student income), but being right next to an Intercity station is extremely attractive for students, more so than a typical passenger I imagine.

 

[themiller]

The Tesco on Victoria Viaduct is also permanently closed. Seems that the whole area around the station is going to rack and ruin.

The reason for the closure of the Tesco shop was given as the problem with the roof being constructed using Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof. I have no idea what’ll happen to the building but both repairs and demolition will be disruptive.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

The demolition of the old pools at the back of the station is due to start today, the Council have emphasised that the adjacent Turkish Baths will be protected, and will take approximately six weeks.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

The Council released some pictures of the demolished pools at the rear of the station today, have attached one:

 

[themiller]

One from the other side.

 

[Cowley]

Thread reopened for @ItsGrimUpNorth to update.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

Local press reporting the £27m plans for the ‘front’ side have been put in officially:

“Major plans have now been officially lodged for a major redevelopment of the front of Carlisle Railway Station.

Cumberland Council, Network Rail and Avanti West Coast, have submitted the application to redevelop and transform Carlisle’s Court Square as part of the ambitious Carlisle Station Gateway project.”

Link: https://cumbriacrack.com/2024/11/01...-27m-carlisle-railway-station-transformation/

The plans for the old swimming baths side are to follow soon seemingly.

 

[chiltern trev]

A new update on the Cumberland Council website - https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2025/new-entrance-carlisle-station-george-square-proposed

Plans have been submitted for a new public car park and square to the south of the station.
Part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project it aims to improve the station and make it more welcoming for visitors and residents.
The project is receiving £20m from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The Deal is investing in projects across the Borderlands region, with funding from the UK and Scottish Governments.
The creation of a new public car park and square, will relocate vehicular traffic from the north to the south of the station, easing congestion, freeing up space at Court Square for pedestrians and improving the flow around the station area.
Improvements planned include:

• Provision of a range of parking spaces including electric vehicle charging, accessible and enlarged spaces, alongside vehicle drop off / pick up zones.
• Creation of high-quality public square/gateway to the south of the station with cycle parking, seating and lighting.
• Planting to create a biodiverse environment which will enhance the public realm.

Leader of Cumberland Council and Borderlands Partnership Board member, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“Subject to planning approval, construction is set to start in spring 2025. The project is part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which is investing in regeneration schemes in Carlisle and across the wider Borderlands region.
“It is part of wider plans to improve Carlisle Station, including upgrades to Court Square, the station’s interior, and nearby streets.
“These improvements are designed to make Carlisle Station easier to use, encourage more visitors to the city, and support local businesses.”
Hannah Clarke, Network Rail’s North West route sponsor, said:
“We’re pleased to see the proposals for a new car park and public square as part of the Station Gateway project.
“We are grateful to be working with Cumberland Council on the plans to improve Carlisle station for passengers and the wider community.”
For more information, visit Cumberland Council’s project page
View the planning application here.

The Planning Link in the above quote may not work.

So this is Planning Application no 24/0737

Hybrid Planning Application Comprising Full Application For Public Realm Enhancements And Creation Of New 'Southern Gateway' At Citadel Station; Outline Application (Some Matters Reserved) For Redevelopment Of Station Road Business Park, Including New Surface Car Park

Land between Water Street and, James Street, Carlisle

41 documents

https://publicaccess.carlisle.gov.u...o?keyVal=_CARLI_DCAPR_87831&activeTab=summary

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

The Council posted a couple of photos on their Facebook page today, of what the front area will look like.

One looking towards, the other looking from!

 

[wilbers]

The Council posted a couple of photos on their Facebook page today, of what the front area will look like.

One looking towards, the other looking from!

What is that in the first image? A memorial of some kind with a fountain? I was past there (on foot) yesterday, been a few months since I've been in the city centre.

 

[themiller]

The old underground toilets have been excavated and filled in. They were where the glass bricks were in the paved area.

 

[themiller]

A notification of a planning application has been posted at the back of the station. If you go to www.cumberland.gov.uk and look for application number 24/0747, there are the planning documents which show what the back of the station will look like.

 

[chiltern trev]

A notification of a planning application has been posted at the back of the station. If you go to www.cumberland.gov.uk and look for application number 24/0747, there are the planning documents which show what the back of the station will look like.

So for the back or south side of the station there are 2 planning applications - 24/0737 and 24/0747.

 

[themiller]

Planning notices have gone up adjacent to Caffeine Rush to alter the old flower shop for Pie Demand. Rumour has it that there’ve been complaints about the clock under the footbridge on platform 4 being obscured by the current ‘pie tent’.

Another planning notice has gone up for enabling works for the new entrance.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

From the local paper just now:

A MAJOR project to redevelop the area of land around Carlisle station has taken a big step forward after the plans were approved by Cumberland Council’s planning committee.

Link: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...railway-station-cumberland-planners-approve/?

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

And approval for the new south side of the station:

“PLANS for the next phase of a major redevelopment of Carlisle’s Citadel Station were approved this week.”

Plans for new city centre car park and public space approved by council

PLANS for the next phase of a major redevelopment of Carlisle’s Citadel Station were approved this week.

www.newsandstar.co.uk