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.
Carlisle's main bus station will remain on Lonsdale Street and continue to serve as the city's primary bus facility. This project is improving the existing Market Hall bus hub and is not a new bus station.
Extent of work
New Lazonby sandstone paving will replace the existing concrete paving.
Project improvements
The scheme will deliver a range of improvements, 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
- future installation of digital display boards and real-time passenger information
The existing bus shelters will be refurbished rather than replaced. This provides better value for money while maintaining their relationship with the Market Hall and surrounding area.
The improvements will help create a safer, more accessible and attractive environment for passengers while supporting local businesses and improving the appearance of this important city centre gateway.
Why the improvements are being made
The bus hub is one of Carlisle's busiest public transport gateways. The improvements will:
- create a safer, more attractive and accessible environment
- improve the passenger experience
- support sustainable travel
- complement wider regeneration projects in Carlisle city centre
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 before 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 around 8 weeks to complete.
The project is being delivered in phases to minimise disruption to passengers, Market Hall traders and city centre businesses.
Project delivery
Phase 1 works will be delivered by Cumberland Council's in-house Highways teams.
A specialist contractor will be appointed to deliver Phase 2.
Project funding
The project is funded through the governments Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
This funding is specifically for improving bus services and infrastructure and does not come from the council's core budget.
Planning and design
The scheme has been designed to:
- improve accessibility
- enhance the public space around the bus hub
- create a more welcoming environment for passengers
- support wider regeneration projects in Carlisle city centre
Planning permission is not required because the works are being carried out within the public highway and mainly involve improvements to existing public spaces and infrastructure.
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 spaces. The road network will remain open throughout the project.
The council will work closely with contractors, businesses and bus operators throughout the project. Access to Market Hall and surrounding businesses will be maintained wherever possible and updates will be provided as work progresses.
What disruption to expect
During the works there will be:
- temporary bus stop locations
- temporary changes to pedestrian routes
- construction activity between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
- occasional weekend working if required
Walking routes during the works
If you are walking from Peter Street Car Park into the city centre, use the signal-controlled crossing at the junction of West Tower Street and Scotch Street and follow the signed pedestrian route to Market Street.
Signage will be in place to help people move around the area safely during the works.
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
If you are using the Fisher Street entrance, enter through TK Maxx using the escalator and stairs to reach 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 stops while work is taking place:
Services normally using Stand K
Use Stand J on 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
Service HW1
Use the temporary stop opposite the Old Fire Station on Peter Street.
For full service information, visit bus timetables.
Supporting Carlisle businesses
Market Hall traders and city centre businesses will remain open throughout the works and customers are encouraged to continue supporting local businesses.
Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
The project has been programmed so the improved bus hub area reopens before Christmas 2026, supporting the important festive trading period.
The improvements will:
- improve the appearance of the area
- create a more welcoming gateway into the city centre
- improve accessibility and passenger facilities
- support wider regeneration activity in Carlisle
- encourage continued use of public transport and city centre businesses
We will continue to work closely with traders and businesses and provide regular updates as works progresses.
More information
For more information about the Carlisle Market Hall bus hub regeneration project, contact the Integrated Transport team:
Email: [email protected]
Project updates 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