Cumberland Council and the Carlisle Town Deal Board will host a celebratory event on Friday 15 May 2026 to recognise the achievements of the Carlisle Town Deal programme and mark the completion of Project Tullie, which officially reopened in April 2025.
The event will take place at Tullie, Museum & Gallery, Carlisle and will bring together Town Deal Board members, project partners, delivery teams and invited guests. The event will also acknowledge the contribution of Emma Porter, former Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, who played a pivotal role in shaping and steering the Town Deal programme.
The Carlisle Town Deal Board is a partnership of local leaders established as part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme. Chaired by David Wright, Land Consultant and Director of Fellpath Town Planning, the Board includes representatives from business, education, culture, housing, transport, the MP for Carlisle and Cumberland Council. Together, the Board provides strategic oversight for the £19.7 million secured through the Towns Fund and ensures each project delivers long‑term benefits for residents, businesses and the local economy.
Carlisle was selected in Autumn 2019 as one of 101 towns invited to develop Town Deals as part of the UK Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund. The former Carlisle City Council formed a dedicated Town Deal Board to develop a Town Investment Plan, setting out a shared vision for regeneration, improved connectivity, digital inclusion, cultural investment and skills development.
Following the submission of this plan in October 2020, the Government confirmed in March 2021 that Carlisle had secured £19.7 million to support a portfolio of transformational projects. Following the completion of Project Tullie, The Town Deal continues to deliver improvements across the city, including:
- Start with the Park (St Cuthbert’s Garden Village)
- Southern Gateway transport and public realm improvements
- Digital and Community Learning Hub
- Lighting Up Carlisle digital lighting project
- Business infrastructure supporting the University of Cumbria development
Completion of Project Tullie marks the first of these major schemes to open to the public, with others progressing well.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
"The Carlisle Town Deal is a major investment in the future of our city, and this event is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort that has brought us to this stage. Project Tullie is a significant milestone and demonstrates what strong partnership working can deliver. I would like to thank everyone involved, including the Town Deal Board, project teams and community partners, for their commitment and hard work."
David Wright, Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, added:
"The Town Deal has enabled Carlisle to progress ambitious projects that will strengthen the city’s economy, cultural life and future growth. Project Tullie is a fantastic achievement and sets the tone for the wider programme. This event is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the progress made so far and to thank all those who have contributed, including former Chair Emma Porter, whose leadership helped shape the direction of the Town Deal."
The Carlisle Town Deal continues to drive investment that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors, supporting Carlisle’s growth as a vibrant, well‑connected and forward‑looking city.