5 February 2010

Partners underline commitment to Caldew Riverside scheme

Carlisle Renaissance and partners have today underlined their ongoing commitment to a strategic investment site, in the heart of Carlisle, which will lay the foundations for future development to help attract jobs and prosperity to the city.

The prime piece of land had originally been earmarked as a flagship campus site for the University of Cumbria, but following the approval yesterday (4th Feb) of a newly-revised business plan by the University Board, the scheme has shifted in its timetable of priorities.

Bryan Gray, Chair of Carlisle Renaissance, said: “Caldew Riverside is a major part of the regeneration jigsaw in Carlisle and our ambitions to get it into a position where it is fit for purpose remain unchanged. The University of Cumbria has publicly stated it remains committed to its original vision and aspirations such as a campus on the site. We look forward to continuing to working with them to achieve the best outcomes for Carlisle and the University. Major regeneration projects are subject to change and external circumstances, but I am confident we and partners will work through these challenges. In any event, there would not have been a campus on site until 2013 at the earliest and it is a long term project.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said: “We, along with our partners, want the best for Carlisle. Caldew Riverside is a key regeneration site and any development would strengthen the city centre and the local economy. We will be working closely with partners to ensure the site is fit for purpose and is prepared in readiness for the city’s recovery from the national recession.”

Steve Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency said: “Our strong preference is to remediate Caldew Riverside when it is clear there is a confirmed end user. Caldew Riverside is a strategic investment site in the heart of Carlisle. This is the next stage in work to lay the foundations for a crucial future development to help attract jobs and prosperity to the city. The NWDA has an active role in Carlisle Renaissance and this partnership is united in its efforts to find an end use for this site.”

The first stage to prepare the site at Caldew Riverside would take between 12 to 15 months to deliver, following funding approval.

Renaissance and its partners are working to deliver a leading heritage city, with a world class university, successful city centre, and the infrastructure to support growth.

Other projects on stream in 2010 include the £2.5m Roman Gateway which will give local people a spectacular new gallery and getting the Old Town Hall to work harder for Carlisle. Increased footfall and spend in the city centre through a revamp of Citadel Court Square, combined with the Castle Street scheme will provide a welcome boost to the city’s economy.