We are investing £500,000 in improvements to the bus hub at Carlisle Market Hall, funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), to create a more welcoming, accessible and attractive gateway to Carlisle city centre.
Project overview
The scheme will improve the public space around the bus hub and enhance the facilities used by residents, visitors and bus passengers every day.
The project forms part of Cumberland Council's ongoing programme of investment in Carlisle city centre and complements wider regeneration projects taking place across the city.
Extent of work
New Lazonby sandstone paving will be used to replace the existing concrete paving.
Project improvements
The scheme will deliver a range of improvements to enhance the bus hub environment, including:
- new sandstone paving
- four new lighting columns
- new seating and street furniture
- refurbishment of the two bus shelters attached to Carlisle Market Hall
- upgraded LED lighting within the shelters
- new shelter roofs
- redecoration and repairs
The improvements will help create a safer, more accessible and attractive environment for passengers while supporting local businesses and improving the overall appearance of this important city centre gateway.
Project timescales
Phase 1
September to November 2026
Work will begin on Tuesday 1 September 2026 and will include:
- installation of new sandstone paving
- new lighting columns
- new seating and street furniture
- improvement to the public areas surrounding the bus hub
Working hours will generally be Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, although some weekend working may be required.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, allowing the upgraded bus hub area to reopen in time for the busy Christmas period.
Phase 2
January 2027
The second phase of the project is expected to begin in early January 2027 and will focus on the refurbishment of the two bus shelters attached to Carlisle Market Hall.
This phase is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete.
Project delivery
Phase 1 works will be delivered by Cumberland Council's in-house Highways teams.
Phase 2 works, the council will appoint a specialist contractor shortly.
Project funding
The funding is provided by the central government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Access during the works
To allow the improvements to be carried out safely, the bus hub area and surrounding footways will be temporarily closed during Phase 1.
The works are taking place on the footways and public realm areas and the road network will remain open throughout the project.
Market Hall access
Market Hall businesses will remain open throughout the works.
The north entrance to Market Hall will be temporarily unavailable during Phase 1.
Access will continue via:
- Scotch Street
- Fisher Street
Visitors using the Fisher Street entrance, please enter through TK Maxx using the escalator and then down the stairs to access Market Hall.
Bus service arrangements
Bus services will continue to operate throughout the works from temporary stops located on Lowther Street and Drovers Lane.
Clear signage will be provided across the city centre and at the bus hub to help passengers find their bus service.
The following bus services will use temporary bus stops while work is taking place:
Services normally using Stand K
Use Stand J, Lowther Street (near the Howard Arms):
- 62
- 64
- 79/179
- 127A
- X95
- 382
Services normally using Stands L and M
Use Drovers Lane (behind the former Debenhams building):
- 67
- 71
- 93
- 93S
- 680A
- 61
- 63
- 63A
- 300
- 400
- 553
- 554
- 600
Visit bus timetables for full bus timetables.
Supporting Carlisle businesses
Market Hall traders and city centre businesses will remain open as usual throughout the works and customers are encouraged to continue supporting local businesses.
The project has been programmed to ensure the improved bus hub area reopens before Christmas 2026, helping support the important festive trading period.
We will continue to work closely with businesses throughout the project and provide regular updates as works progress.
More information
For further information about the Carlisle Market Hall Bus Hub Regeneration project, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Updates on the project will be published on the Cumberland Council website and social media channels throughout the works.
Press releases
12 August 2026: Investment to enhance Carlisle Market Hall bus hub to support city centre businesses
Market Hall
Carlisle
CA3 8QX
United Kingdom