Following further deterioration to the Central Plaza building a decision has been made to undertake further demolition of the unsafe structure.
A recent inspection of the building by Building Control and the council’s consulting structural engineer and principal designer found the building to be at risk and action is needed to make the building safe.
A Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “In the interest of public safety, Victoria Viaduct from its junction with James Street to its junction with Blackfriars Street is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. Bush Brow is also closed and there is a partial closure of West Walls from its junction with Victoria Viaduct to Sallyport steps. This started at 3pm TODAY (Tuesday, 8 October 2019).
“The closures have been put in place by Cumbria County Council’s highways team following advice received from the City Council’s Building Control team and the council’s consulting structural engineer and principal designer.
“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to find an alternative route.
“Until further assessment of the building and a plan of action are agreed, we are unable to say how long the closures will be in place, however due to the extent of the damage and the scale of work required, this is likely to be months rather than weeks. Our priority is to ensure the building is safe and all possible steps are being taken to find the quickest way to do this.
“As the building has no owner (the building is currently in escheat but rests with the Crown Estate). We would normally pursue the owner to deal with any danger, but this is not possible in this instance.
“Under the Building Act 1984 s78 Dangerous Buildings – Emergency Measures, we have a duty to ensure that the property does not cause an immediate danger to persons in and around the building.”
