18 January 2010

Renaissance bringing much-needed investment to Carlisle

A partnership tasked with improving Carlisle’s economic future has set out how its work is already bearing fruit and attracting much-needed investment into the city.

Carlisle Renaissance has set out in its first Annual Review, published just last week, what the partnership’s long-term ambition for Carlisle has achieved so far.

Bryan Gray, Chair of Carlisle Renaissance, said: “Carlisle Renaissance’s ambitions for Carlisle are huge. They are not quick wins. We want the city to be a leading heritage city, with a world class University, successful city centre, and the infrastructure to support growth. Less than a year ago our founding partners – Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, and the regional development agency – agreed these priorities. There is no disagreement about what is needed to make Carlisle work harder for people who live and work here.

“It has been tough getting to where we are today: huge change cannot happen overnight. But now, excitingly, the building blocks are in place and investment in Carlisle Renaissance is attracting much more cash that otherwise may never have come to Carlisle. In 2010 alone, we will see investment in Carlisle – brought in through Renaissance – approaching up to £10m. That money is hard at work for the city.

“Multi-million pound projects such as the Roman Gateway will give local people a spectacular new gallery. We’ll also see Court Square made into a better public space, and hopefully Castle Street too. Work to equip the Old Town Hall to work harder for Carlisle will get underway. Our work is also bringing fabulous events to the city for all to enjoy, as well as providing a welcome boost for the local economy. Welcoming the Light, for example, is expected to draw at least 7,000 people into the city centre in a single evening in March.

““Local people have a right to know what we are doing and why. We have various ways to make sure we know what they think. And people are telling us that they want more of what we are doing. Our residents panels are an example: Independently selected and facilitated, these five groups provide a platform for local people to consider our programme and have their say. I’m encouraged with the support expressed by these groups for what we’re trying to achieve for Carlisle.

“We listen with interest to the ideas people put forward, because we know we can’t transform the city alone. We are a partnership. We all need to work together to achieve the best for Carlisle. And we need to get on with the serious job at hand. Our door is open: we urge everyone who wants to, to get involved.”

Carlisle Renaissance’s first Annual Review was published last week.