Works to develop a new temporary car park on the site of the former county council Lonsdale Building at the rear of the Citadel in Carlisle are now complete, and the car park will open to the public this Friday, 7 February at 12pm.
The 93 space car park on Bush Brow includes two electric vehicle charging points, seven disabled bays and bicycle storage. Open 24 hours day, seven days a week, it will be pay and display at a rate that is in line with other nearby car parks in the area and users will have the convenient option to pay by phone or buy a ticket from a machine using cash or card. Recycled plastic material has been used in the surface of the new car park, which would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
This area of the city is already particularly busy with train station users and shoppers and as the use in rail transport is expected to increase, the additional capacity will help support this growing demand and also provide easier access for shopping and other services in the city centre.
The long-term ambition for this area is that it will be rejuvenated as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Carlisle Station Gateway and Citadels project. Details of this project are being negotiated with Government, and a consultation to gather public feedback on the proposals is currently ongoing.
Cumbria County Councillor, David Southward, Cabinet Member for Economy and Property said:
“We are always keen to make best use of our assets even on a temporary basis. The new car park improves parking provision in the city centre, will reduce congestion and ultimately improve the highway network and help keep Carlisle moving as there will be more choice of places to park.”
The car park opens to the public on Friday 7 February at 12pm. For more details on how to view and feedback on the proposals for the Carlisle Station Gateway please visit the county council website.
