New traffic restrictions around Carlisle Railway Station will be put in place.
Cumberland Council’s highways and transport strategic board agreed the traffic regulation order, which will come into force after the completion of the Carlisle Station Gateway project.
The order includes a one-way traffic restriction on Court Square and Collier Lane to be introduced from the junction with Court Square Brow, extending in a south-easterly direction.
Other measures are:
- Introducing a Loading Only – All Day, Every Day bay on the east side of Court Square Brow
- Amending the extent of the No Waiting At Any Time restrictions on Court Square Brow and The Crescent, Carlisle, to accommodate the changes in the road layout
- Removing the Disc Parking, 8.30am-6pm Monday to Saturday inclusive – Residents of Zone C Exempt in the cul-de-sac on Court Square (outside The Griffin, although this is dependent upon the approval of the Secretary of State
- Altering the extent of the Prohibition of Driving, Friday, Saturday and day prior to Bank/Public Holidays, 9pm – midnight and midnight – 5am restriction to accommodate changes in the road layout and the re-positioning of the barriers.
Members were told that, during the consultation period, two responses were received with one objection against the proposal.
Councillor Jeanette Whalen (Yewdale, Labour) said local businesses were concerned but the team had taken the concerns into consideration and, once complete, the project would be a boon to the centre of Carlisle.
Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said they were at the beginning of the end of the project and it would provide a much-improved environment to the city.
The report said: “Carlisle Station Gateway project represents a pivotal regeneration proposal within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, aiming to strengthen Carlisle’s strategic position within the national rail network and adopt urban revitalisation.
“The project comprises improvements to the Northern and Southern Gateways, internal station modifications, and supporting infrastructure improvements, which are crucial for improving accessibility and city centre connectivity supporting both local and regional development.
“Carlisle serves as a central hub for connectivity within the Borderlands region, linking Cumbria with the rest of the UK known as the gateway.
“The station’s redevelopment is expected to significantly boost Carlisle’s footfall and profile on the national rail map, facilitating improved access and connectivity, not only to Carlisle but also to the wider Borderlands region.
“The improvement is strategic as it supports regional economic growth, encourages rail travel, and contributes to broader environmental and decarbonisation goals by reducing reliance on vehicular traffic.”
The project had an initial budget of £20 million when funding was approved in 2019. It now stands at £28 million.
The report added: “In December 2020, the cabinet agreed to a Grant Funding Agreement with Northumberland County Council, entrusting the delivery of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project.
“A significant development has been the revised funding strategy, where Network Rail and strategic land sales contribute towards the increased project budget.
“The redevelopment is expected to catalyse economic growth by enhancing commercial opportunities at and around the station.
“This project aims to improve the functionality and capacity of the station and seeks to enrich the urban fabric of Carlisle by integrating the station more seamlessly with the city centre.
“By enhancing the station’s infrastructure, the project supports the growth of tourism, local commerce, and provides a stimulus for further investments in the city and surrounding areas.”
