An extra £13.5 million will be spent on a major revamp of Carlisle Railway Station.
The Government has announced that the cash will be used to upgrade the station’s interior and support the ongoing £27m Station Gateway Project, which is overhauling external elements, including car parking and entrances.
The new £13.5m will form a capped contribution to the existing partnership project between Cumberland Council and Network Rail, adding to the overall funding already in place.
It will be made available to Network Rail to progress key elements of the scheme.
Within this financial year, the funding is expected to support:
- Design and construction work at George Square
- Design and construction work at Court Square
- Land development to the south of the station and enabling works
- Station change activities
- Business case development
- Operational costs, including staff and signs
The full scope of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project will also include essential station accessibility improvements and interior works to meet forecast demand and support the remodelled city centre.
Network Rail said the project will make the station easier to navigate and make it more accessible.
It said milestones would include:
- Spring 2026: A new pub opening in the restored first-class waiting room on platform 4.
- Spring 2026: Work begins to improve public space to the south of the station, and build a new customer car park.
- Summer 2026: Pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration of the north station entrance.
- February 2027: Completion of the pedestrianised station entrance to the north and relocated car parking to the south of the station.
- Into 2027: New lifts, staircases and a southern entrance to make the station fully accessible.
Hannah Clarke, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said: “Carlisle station is a beautiful piece of railway heritage and an important gateway to the city.
“This investment will transform the experience for the thousands of passengers who use the station every day, making it easier to navigate, more accessible, and better connected to the city centre.
“We’re working closely with Cumberland Council and Avanti West Coast to deliver improvements that passengers will see and feel from spring 2026.”
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is a fantastic investment from the Department for Transport, and we are delighted that it will be used to improve Carlisle station.
“These enhanced facilities will continue the station’s transformation, creating spaces that are more attractive, accessible, and welcoming.
“This will make the passenger and visitor experience much better, ensuring that when people arrive in Carlisle, they are greeted by a station that reflects the city’s vibrancy and ambition, and sets the tone for exploring everything our area has to offer.”
Julie Minns, Carlisle MP, said: “This £13.5 million investment is a clear signal of the confidence in Carlisle and in the regeneration that is happening across the city. It adds to the significant public investment already being made and shows real support for Carlisle’s future.
“These improvements will make the station easier to use, more accessible and better connected to the rest of the city. This is a welcome step forward that will benefit passengers, local businesses and everyone who relies on Carlisle station.”
