Carlisle Masterplan to map 'next 25 years and beyond'

People are being invited to have their say on development plans council leaders say will shape a city's future "over the next 25 years and beyond".

An online consultation asking for views, external on Cumberland Council's 'Carlisle Masterplan' is running until 31 July.

In-person events are also due to be held at the Assembly Rooms in the city's Old Town Hall on 15, 20 and 22 July.

Council leader Mark Fryer said the authority was looking to "build on the momentum" created by recent investment.

The plan describes Carlisle as being "a quietly successful city" with a "distinctive historic character and identity".

Strengths are said to include "significant heritage assets" and high economic activity, alongside low unemployment.

However, it is also suggests the area faces a number of challenges, such as key buildings being unused, major roads "severing the city centre" and a lack of good housing.

Developing the role of Cumbria University within the city is put forward as one of the ways to create growth, as well as continuing "public realm enhancement to transform the rest of the city centre".

Earlier this month, the five-mile (8km) Southern Link Road opened to join Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595, and will connect the planned 10,000-home St Cuthbert's Garden Village to the city centre.

Other work is taking place around the entrance to Carlisle's railway station, while there has also been a regeneration of Market Square.

Fryer said: "There has been significant investment in Carlisle and the recent improvement works in the city centre have provided significant benefits.

"We need to build on the momentum and support the city's economic future.

"The draft masterplan represents a vision and a strategy that sets the direction for regeneration in the city for the next 25 years and beyond."

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