10 hours ago
Plan for construction of new railway building to support 'heritage tourism'
A ONCE historically significant railway depot in Carlisle could be given a new lease of life as a hub for heritage tourism, education, and the storage and maintenance of historic steam locomotives.
An application has been submitted on behalf of Locomotive Storage Ltd to Cumberland Council for the construction of a 140-metre long steel-framed canopy at Carlisle Diesel Depot in Upperby.
The site is currently accessed from St Nicholas Bridges close to London Road.
The carriage sheds formerly on the site were opened in 1948 to service locomotives and carriages.
The planning statement says that the site fell into disuse in the early 1990s, with the derelict structures being demolished in 2016, 'marking the end of an era for this historic facility'.
The statement says: "The structure will feature a roof and two-metre-high side cladding to protect against driving rain, providing sheltered storage for historic steam locomotives.
"The design respects the site's historical use and aims to preserve its railway heritage.
"The existing site ground and railhead will provide the surface on which the railway steam locomotives and heritage rolling stock will sit."
Of significance to the railway enthusiasts that regularly flock to Carlisle station to catch glimpses of heritage locomotives such as Tangmere and The Flying Scotsman is the indication in the plan that the site will be a potential tourist destination.
It says: "The facility has the potential to attract visitors, support tourism, and provide educational opportunities related to railway history.
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"By repurposing a brownfield site, the proposal supports sustainable development and aligns with national and local policies encouraging the reuse of previously developed land.
"The development will provide a secure and weather-protected environment for historic steam locomotives, contributing to the preservation of the nation's railway heritage."
Though the proposal does not include the provision of an extra vehicular access tracks or pedestrian footways to reach the site, the statement also cites sustainable development in relation to tourism.
It says: "The proposal supports economic growth by facilitating heritage tourism and educational opportunities, contributes to community well-being by preserving cultural heritage, and enhances the historic environment by maintaining the site's railway legacy."
