14-05-2025
Premier Inn to takeover former Central Plaza site in Carlisle
Derelict land in Carlisle city centre could be transformed into a new hotel with more than a hundred bedrooms.
Cumberland Council says Premier Inn want to redevelop the former Central Plaza hotel site on Victoria Viaduct.
The former Central Plaza site in Carlisle has been acquired by Whitbread PLC, the parent company of the Premier Inn hotel chain.
The deal was agreed with Cumberland Council with the site being empty for several years. Carlisle City Council demolished and cleared the hotel that stood on the site during 2020 after it became structurally unsafe.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: 'I am delighted that an investor has been secured for the site. It is another important step forward for the regeneration for Carlisle city centre.
"Work is already underway on city centre transformation schemes and the Citadels Railway Station redevelopment, with plans also in place for the University of Cumbria site too. All will bring transformational change to the city."
To assist with the redevelopment of the land Cumberland Council has used funding from the UK Government Future High Streets Fund to undertake enabling works which include repairs to the gable wall of the Green Room Theatre, located on West Walls.
Whitbread Acquisition Manager, Jill Anderson, commented: 'We're excited to bring Premier Inn to the heart of Carlisle, providing high-quality, affordable hotel accommodation in a prime and accessible location.
"This development underscores our commitment to expanding Premier Inn across the north of England, supporting local economies, and creating lasting employment opportunities.
"We're proud to be investing in Carlisle's future and bringing this important city centre site back into long-term use."
A planning application is set to be submitted this summer with the target opening date being 2028.
