Work has begun to create a £50,000 temporary park in Carlisle city centre.
The installation is being provided as part of the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, a nation-wide scheme backed by the European Regional Development Fund, to support the economy as it reopens by providing a safe and welcoming environment for local trade and tourism.
Carlisle City Council was allocated up to £96,000 of funding to contribute to schemes including support for the Hawker’s Market last year and a temporary business online support hub.
The authority said: “The new pop-up park, in the Greenmarket next to the Old Town Hall, will provide opportunities for individuals and families to relax, eat, drink and socialise whilst in the city centre with additional seating, artificial grass and planting. It will be used stimulate a local discussion on how the Market Square and Greenmarket can be better used in future and contribute to city centre revitalisation.”
Local contractors have started work on the site with completion expected by end of the month.
Councillor Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing, said: “Greening the Greenmarket has been designed to bring calming green space into the city centre and to provide a place where shoppers can stop, rest, play, drink and eat before continuing shopping. The new feature will provide a fun and inviting place.
“The new temporary feature will be used as a focus for consultation, to pilot test ideas, and engage with local people, businesses and visitors. It will help grow and diversify the economy.”
The items making up the temporary installation have been designed and procured in such a way that they can be reused elsewhere in the city centre or on council green spaces as required.
A temporary CCTV camera with coverage of the new facility is also included within the scheme.
