Story Contracting gears up for next phase of £27m Carlisle Gateway

Work is due to start on Tuesday to improve the junction between Water Street and James Street as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal scheme.

These improvements form the next phase of the Carlisle Station Gateway project, which has already seen improvements to train platforms.

Story Contracting is expected to wrap up construction on the next phase in January. These works will see improved access to the station, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, and affect Water Street, James Street, Currock Street, and Rome Street.

The project is being delivered by Cumberland Council in partnership with Avanti, Network Rail, and Cumbria LEP as key partners.

The council has secured over £27m of funding for the gateway scheme, including £20m through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. This £394.5m growth deal was agreed on in 2019 between Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council in order to bring investment to the area.

With hopes to promote active and sustainable travel, the council also intends to improve the public realm and improve connections to key developments in the works around Carlisle city centre, such as the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels Campus and development plans for Devonshire Street and English Street.

Later phases will include the partial pedestrianisation of Court Square, improved access to station platforms, and the creation of a new entrance to the station together with a new car park.

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This investment for Carlisle Railway Station has been several years in the planning and will improve both the station and immediate area for residents, students, local businesses, and our visitors.

“The station serves over 2m passengers annually and is a central hub for travel across the Borderlands region, so this investment will greatly benefit everyone.”