[Article prepared by Bearmont Group - leaseholders of The Market Hall]
Work has begun on transforming Carlisle’s historic Market Hall into a new food court as part of a wider effort to boost the city centre and support local businesses.
The project is led by Bearmont Group in partnership with Cubby Construction, who are managing the build; Knightsbridge House Interiors, who are leading the design and fit-out; and Cumberland Council, who are funding the project and supporting it as part of its city-centre regeneration strategy. It is expected to be completed in autumn 2025.
When finished, the food court will provide a welcoming communal space for local and independent food vendors, creating a new place for residents, shoppers and visitors to meet, eat and spend time. The refurbishment is intended to benefit all traders in the city - not just those in the Market Hall - by attracting more people into the heart of Carlisle.
Work inside the hall began this week and includes new flooring, improved lighting, upgraded facilities, and the demolition of existing stalls to create a refreshed, flexible open-plan layout designed to make the most of the building’s Victorian architecture. Public signage is now on site to keep the community informed as the works progress.
Rob Lloyd, CEO of Bearmont Group, said: "Carlisle Market Hall has been at the heart of the city for generations. This transformation honours that heritage and introduces a vibrant new destination for the community. The refurbishment is intended to benefit all traders in the city, and we hope it will become a central hub and gathering point for residents and visitors alike. We’re proud to be working with our trusted partners to deliver a space the whole city can be proud of."
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:"This new communal seating area will really complement the current fantastic food offering in the Market Hall and hopefully attract new vendors too. The council hopes this project – alongside the maintenance and improvement works already undertaken by Bearmont – will help bring increased footfall to the Market Hall not only to eat, but to shop too. The Market Hall is one of the few covered Victorian markets left in the country and together with Bearmont we’re really excited about what the future holds for this landmark building."
Updates on the redevelopment will be shared as the build progresses. Vendors interested in trading within the new food court are encouraged to contact the Market Hall management team for more information.
