Plans for the University of Cumbria’s flagship new Citadels campus in Carlisle have been submitted.
The university has lodged the plans with Carlisle City Council for consideration.
Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed as sole contractor for the work and people now have the opportunity to have their say on the development.
Designed by DAY Architectural Ltd., the new campus plans include the retention of the two Grade I listed Citadel rotundas on the proposed site along with other historic and heritage features, including the Woolworth and Burton’s buildings.
University of Cumbria vice chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “The submission of the planning application takes us another step closer to realising our ambition to develop a new university campus in the heart of the city.
“A truly transformational project, the new Citadels campus will increase the accessibility, reach and impact of our academic offer.
“It will also add vibrancy to the city centre increasing activity, footfall and investment, and support our region’s post-covid recovery.”
The Carlisle Citadels campus project has been developed by the University of Cumbria, Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, and Cumbria LEP.
£50 million of funding for the project is being provided by the Government through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and £4 million from the Carlisle Town Deal Fund. The university is expected to help meet the £77.5 million total cost.
It is hoped that the planning application process will be completed in the summer, with the main construction work beginning in the first half of 2023, and completion forecasted for spring 2026.
There will be some site preparation work later this year, including archaeological investigations and other construction related survey work.
