Confirmation of multi-million pound funding to develop plans for the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) has today been announced by the government (14 February).
Following a competitive process against a number of other councils bidding for funding, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have now confirmed that they will grant £102m for the £112m scheme. The remaining £10 million needed will be shared by Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council who will recoup the investment from future developer contributions.
Importantly, the new link road will support the development of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village. The ambitious Carlisle City Council scheme will deliver up to 10,000 new homes, community infrastructure and employment opportunities bringing significant benefits to the city and the wider county.
The county council has worked with Carlisle City Council and Homes England to develop the proposals following the consultation exercise which resulted in the preferred ‘green route’ being announced in June last year. Further detailed public consultation on a final route proposal will be carried out in the summer.
Leader of Cumbria County Council, Cllr Stewart Young, said: “I’m delighted that government have awarded us the funds to deliver the Carlisle Southern Link Road. We’ve been clear from the very beginning of this process that this strategic road will provide significant benefits for Carlisle and the whole county, helping unlock both housing and economic growth.
“Thanks must go to the teams who worked so hard on the business case submission to secure this funding as we were up against councils from across the country who were also doing all they could to promote their schemes and win the government over. It’s hugely satisfying to see that the government also see the benefits that this road will have for the people of Cumbria.”
Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Colin Glover, said: “I’m delighted that the government funding has been confirmed for the Carlisle Southern Link Road. It will provide significant support for the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village proposals and will benefit the city as a whole. This is yet another important step forward for the growth of Carlisle.”
John Stevenson MP said “Over the past few months I have been discussing this scheme with Ministers and lobbying Government, highlighting with them the benefits that this investment would bring to Carlisle. This is a hugely significant investment which demonstrates the increasing confidence the Government has in Carlisle.
I am absolutely delighted that they have been persuaded to proceed with this infrastructure development which will be of great value and benefit to Carlisle and the wider North Cumbria economy.
For a long time Carlisle has punched below its weight – however I am pleased that this is changing rapidly; and all for the good.”
This announcement follows on from the £300,000 support that has been given by Government towards developing the Garden Village.
Now that the funding has been secured, scheme development work will continue to secure planning permission to build the road and develop the design. Construction work is then expected to start in spring 2021 for a two year period.
There will be conditions attached to the funding from the government to make sure that the road is built in line with the proposals contained within the application and the council will be working closely with officials to ensure these are followed.
