Carlisle’s former swimming pool is set to be demolished soon to make way for the city’s Station Gateway project.
Contractors are due to move in on Monday to prepare to knock down the James Street building and the former Staples unit next to Matalan on Monday.
The Turkish Baths will remain intact but will remain closed.
The projects have been contracted to Eric Wright Civil Engineering and initially in the first week, workers will set up their work area behind the Staples unit and Matalan.
Cumberland Council said: “Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the council are reminding people that James Street, Water Street, and George Street will stay open, and all local businesses will remain open.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: “It is incredibly exciting to kick off these transformative initiatives.
“The revitalisation of public spaces in the city centre will offer an inviting environment, becoming a place where people choose to spend their time and contributing to an enhanced gateway to the city.
“I am looking forward to watching the positive transformation unfold and want to thank our residents, businesses and visitors for their remarkable patience and unwavering support throughout this process.”
Rory Kingdon, senior sponsor at Network Rail added: “We are delighted with current progress to regenerate Carlisle railway station, which is one of our major stations on the West Coast main line.
“The funding provided by the Government and Cumberland Council to regenerate this important transport hub will not only make the station more welcoming to passengers travelling between England and Scotland, but it will also attract more visitors to shops, businesses and attractions in this part of the historic city.”
The project is a strategic regeneration project included in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Cumberland Council in partnership with Network Rail has secured over £27 million of funding for the project.
This project will include:
- Northern Gateway: Partial pedestrianisation of Court Square and improved pedestrian connections to and from the station.
- Station interior: Enhancements to the Court Square access, improved facilities for customers and an upgraded and welcoming entrance from George Square.
- Southern Gateway: George Square (station entrance from James Street) – Public car parking being relocated to George Square to reduce the vehicular traffic at Court Square together with drop-off and bus replacement services.
