An autumn and winter programme of events is being lined up for Carlisle’s revamped city centre.
A new weekly open-air market, made up of around 40 local traders, will get underway on Friday 19 September, between 9am and 4pm, followed by the return of the Quirky Eclectica Monthly Artisan Craft Fair on Saturday 20 September.
The finishing touches are being made to the groundbreaking £5.5 million improvement scheme in Carlisle’s Greenmarket and Market Square. Works are planned to be completed later this month.
The striking transformation is part of a wider £100 million programme of investment in Carlisle and is set to be completed later this month. The 5,000-square-metre area has included an extensive year-long programme of work - all with the aim to support the city centre economy.
The changes have created a safer, more welcoming streetscape while boosting economic activity by attracting residents and visitors to the city centre.
Improvement works to the Carlisle Southern Gateway, Carlisle Station Gateway and Devonshire Street also form part of the £100 million invested in high quality projects that mark a significant step forward in transforming the heart of the city into a greener and more vibrant place.
Backed by national funding including the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Future High Streets Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the coordinated regeneration programme supports long-term growth, sustainability, and high street renewal, while shaping a Carlisle city centre fit for the future.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“To celebrate the re-opening of the city centre space, we are organising a free event to showcase the improvements - so keep an eye out for the programme as we’ll be announcing it soon. In the meantime, the Greenmarket and Market square are set to start an autumn and winter programme of events, including a new weekly open-air market and the return of our Christmas Lights-Switch On event.
“There is lots planned and are even more reasons to make a visit to Carlisle’s city centre. Support local retailers, cafes, restaurants and bars; there’s lots on offer and lots to enjoy.”
Traders interested in taking part in the Carlisle Weekly Market are asked to email Phil.Byers@cumberland.gov.uk
The new Carlisle weekly market follows-on from a Market Place Europe International Market which was held in the city centre over August bank holiday weekend. It attracted thousands of visitors.
An open-air Carlisle Farmers’ market is also held monthly in Carlisle Cathedral grounds and a Taste Carlisle event is also planned in the same location on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November.
A Carlisle Teenage Market will be held in the city centre on Saturday 11 October followed by a Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Sunday 16 November, outside the Old Town Hall.
Transformation work, funded by Cumberland Council - as the building owner - is also underway in Carlisle Market Hall.
Works are continuing at Carlisle Station Gateway and Carlisle Southern Gateway. More information about these projects can be found at https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/regeneration-project/carlisle-city-centre-projects