27-05-2025
New changes to traffic restrictions in Carlisle due to major project
NEW traffic restrictions around the Carlisle Station Gateway project will be put in place after the move was approved by councillors last week.
Members of Cumberland Council's highways and transport strategic board met at Cumbria House in the city on Friday (May 23) to consider the proposed traffic regulation order.
According to the report it was recommended that, having taken into consideration certain matters, that the board agreed that the order be brought into operation as advertised.
The report stated that it was proposed that the order would include a one-way traffic restriction on Court Square and Collier Lane be introduced from the junction with Court Square Brow, extending in a south-easterly direction as well as various other restrictions.
Members were told that, during the consultation period, two responses were received with one objection against the proposal.
Councillor Jeanette Whalen (Yewdale, Labour) said local businesses were concerned but the team had taken the concerns into consideration and, once complete, the project would be a boon to the centre of Carlisle.
And councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said they were at the 'beginning of the end' of the project and it would provide a much-improved environment to the city.
The report states: 'Carlisle Station Gateway project represents a pivotal regeneration proposal within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, aiming to strengthen Carlisle's strategic position within the national rail network and adopt urban revitalisation.
'The project comprises improvements to the Northern and Southern Gateways, internal station modifications, and supporting infrastructure improvements, which are crucial for improving accessibility and city centre connectivity supporting both local and regional development.
'Carlisle serves as a central hub for connectivity within the Borderlands region, linking Cumbria with the rest of the UK known as the gateway.
'The station's redevelopment is expected to significantly boost Carlisle's footfall and profile on the national rail map, facilitating improved access and connectivity, not only to Carlisle but also to the wider Borderlands region.
'The improvement is strategic as it supports regional economic growth, encourages rail travel, and contributes to broader environmental and decarbonisation goals by reducing reliance on vehicular traffic. '
According to the report the funding was approved by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in 2019 with a budget allocation of £20 million and the project has seen adjustments in its funding structure due to strategic realignments and additional contributions.
It states: 'In December 2020, the cabinet agreed to a Grant Funding Agreement with Northumberland County Council, entrusting the delivery of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project.
'A significant development has been the revised funding strategy, where Network Rail and strategic land sales contribute towards the increased project budget, now at £28 million.
'The redevelopment is expected to catalyse economic growth by enhancing commercial opportunities at and around the station.
'This project aims to improve the functionality and capacity of the station and seeks to enrich the urban fabric of Carlisle by integrating the station more seamlessly with the city centre.
'By enhancing the station's infrastructure, the project supports the growth of tourism, local commerce, and provides a stimulus for further investments in the city and surrounding areas.'
