Plans have been submitted for a new piazza and parking at Carlisle Railway Station.
The multi-million-pound Station Gateway project includes the redevelopment of the front of the station and work inside.
Now proposals have been lodged with Cumberland Council for the Station Road Business Park, at the south of the building for a new piazza, which will also include a car park.
The former Staples building has already been demolished in preparation for the scheme.
The application said: “The Southern Gateway project encompasses the development of a new station piazza space, George Square, along with increased vehicle parking provision for staff and visitors.
“This will expand parking capacity to the station’s rear, diverting most vehicular traffic from the station’s north toward the south.
“The Southern Gateway will be delivered in a phased strategy.
“In April 2025, hybrid planning permission was granted comprising full permission for public realm enhancements and creation of the new Southern Gateway at Citadel Station, and an outline permission (some matters reserved) for redevelopment of Station Road Business Park, including new surface car park.”
A section of Water Street will also be realigned during phase one of the work.
The project was recently awarded an extra £13.5m from the Government.
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.
