Following the successful regeneration of Market Square and the Greenmarket and Devonshire Street in Carlisle, Cumberland Council is progressing with further targeted improvements to the top of English Street.
The works will focus on the replacement of existing street furniture, including benches, bins, bollards and cycle racks, alongside small areas of repaving where surfaces are currently uneven. The improvements are limited in scope and are designed to refresh key sections of the street while working within the existing layout.
The new street furniture will match that installed in Market Square and the Greenmarket, helping to create a more consistent and joined‑up look across this part of the pedestrianised city centre. The scheme responds directly to feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders, who highlighted that the central section of English Street would benefit from better connections between Devonshire Street, Market Square and the southern end of English Street.
The works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 26 May 2026 with construction activity expected to last up to three months. Activities will typically take place between 7.30am and 5.00pm.
Access to shops will be maintained throughout the works. Clearly defined work areas will be in place using barrier systems to separate construction activity from the public, ensuring that businesses can remain open and accessible.
As part of the programme, some of the disabled parking bays at the southern end of English Street will be temporarily closed to allow the works to be carried out safely. Existing vehicle arrangements elsewhere will remain unchanged, and disabled parking will continue to be provided nearby, (Bank Street, Fisher Street, Strand Road, Paternoster Row, West Wall. There are also disabled parking bays in all Cumberland Council car parks, you can find the full list here: Find a car park near you.
The council is working to minimise disruption as much as possible, with the works carefully phased and managed in close coordination with local traders. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue supporting city centre businesses during the improvement works.
The scheme forms part of the wider Carlisle Southern Gateway programme, which aims to create a more coherent, inclusive and welcoming city centre, supporting local businesses, encouraging footfall and improving the overall experience for residents and visitors. Together, these improvements contribute to Cumberland Council’s ambition to establish Carlisle city centre as a thriving destination for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
“I am pleased to see further improvements coming forward for English Street following the success of the works in Devonshire Street, Market Square and the Greenmarket. These targeted improvements will help link key areas of the city centre together, creating a more consistent and welcoming environment while responding directly to feedback from residents and businesses. We will continue to work closely with traders to minimise disruption while this work is carried out.”
The council will continue to keep businesses, residents and visitors informed as the works progress.
