A new cultural and creative courtyard is set to open in Carlisle on Saturday.
Tribe Carlisle has been set up in Bitts Park following a £150,000 grant from the Government to Carlisle City Council.
Councillor Stephen Higgs, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The temporary Bitts Park courtyard is based close to the car park.
“It will be populated by local businesses and will provide additional amenities for the benefit of park users.
“The project is part of our overall plans to support the local economy post-COVID.
“These plans include short, medium and long term initiatives funded through the various government schemes.”
A start-up community interest company, Tribe Carlisle CIC won the contract to operate Carlisle City Council’s new cultural and creative courtyard in Bitts Park.
It said the site will fuse a modern street food market and independent retail to showcase local brands.
Businesses which will throw open their doors include:
- The Tasty Greek – authentic Greek street food and drinks, originating from the different islands of Greece.
- Beirut Bites – Lebanese Street Food. Andrei is an experienced chef, and this will be his first solo venture
- Pokey Parlour – Ice Cream and Coffee for dogs and humans.
- Bella Tacos – Tacos with a Cumbrian twist, including vegan and veggie options.
- Sissy That Print – Emma does digital art, prints and stickers, including commissions and custom made products.
- Love Dough – Artisan pizza, stonebaked, that will blow your tastebuds.
- Tribe Bar – House Bar – serving beverages all day long.
The pop-up style offers affordable space for small, local, independent businesses, who want to test the waters before finding a permanent shop in the city centre, Tribe Carlisle CIC said.
Tribe has already announced several events – it’s Teddy Bear Picnic, Puppy Yoga, and Launch Event Party on Friday have already sold out.
Future events will include VR experience days, live music, performances, comedians, and partnerships with charities.
Emmanuel Lorenzana, Tribe manager, said: “It’s an exciting time for Carlisle, Tribe will bring a new energy and new opportunities to the city and create a safe, creative space for all ages to flourish and socialise.
“We’re also keeping one space as a pop-up destination, called The Hive, which we will be able to offer to businesses for a weekly rate.”
As part of the operating model, all tenants will be required to reinvest back into local disadvantaged communities.
This could be donating a share of profits, sharing time and expertise, or creating job opportunities.
There are also no shareholders, so all profits are reinvested into the site and Bitts Park area, with an independent advisory group formed to support decision making and distribution.
