Works on Carlisle station redevelopment to start
The redevelopment of a land near a city's train station is set to start later this year after plans were approved.The proposals, for land at the Citadel Railway Station and Collier Lane, Court Square, are part of the £27m Carlisle Station Gateway project.Court Square will be pedestrianised and Lawson's Monument will be moved as part of the scheme. Cumberland Council said works were due to start in the autumn.
The space is the main point of arrival for visitors to the city, but the current layout and appearance of Court Square is dominated by vehicles, making the space problematic for pedestrians, a report said.
'Excellent news for Carlisle'
Planning officer Stephen Daniel said the design was considered to be acceptable and it would have a significantly positive impact on the station and the listed buildings around it. The Lawson's drinking fountain will return to Court Square where it used to be located before it was moved in 1936 due to the construction of underground toilets.The plans were unanimously approved on Wednesday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.Cumberland Council Leader Mark Fryer said: "This is excellent news for Carlisle."He said it would support the city's regeneration and and make he station more accessible, while moving the fountain back would "restore an important part of our local history".Work is due to start in the autumn after highways and public realm improvements to English Street and the Crescent and Botchergate junction are completed.
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