Beautiful English city reveals £27million renovation plans including revamped historic train station

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A BEAUTIFUL English city reveals £27m renovation plans, including a revamped historic train station.

The project also includes the revitalisation of public spaces, landscaping and seating.

Cumberland Council, in partnership with Network Rail and Avanti West Coast has submitted a planning application to redevelop Carlisle Court Square.

The mega makeover is part the Carlisle Station Gateway project.

And a whopping £27m is being funded by The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The aim is to rejuvenate Carlisle’s historic train station, enhance first impressions for visitors, and bolster connectivity across the Borderlands region.

The proposed “Northern Gateway” will prioritise Court Square for pedestrian access.

It will do so by limiting vehicle entry to emergency services, maintenance activities, waste collection and deliveries only.

Improved pedestrian crossings should better connect visitors to the city centre, Court Brow, and Botchergate, with great access to key areas and taxi services.

Carlisle based construction company, Story Contracting, will carry out the work while developing plans to support local employment and community initiatives.

The “Southern Gateway” will be known as “George Square” with the creation of a new public car park and square to the south of the station.

Congestion and traffic flow in the area should reduce as the traffic will be directed from the north to the south side of the station.

The planning application for this part of the project will be submitted in November 2024.

If all goes well, Carlisle is set to become a vibrant regional hub that welcomes both visitors and residents.

The city’s landscape and economic potential is set to be revitalised by The Carlisle Station Gateway Project.

Also showing the council’s commitment to redefining its economic potential.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with a potential completion date of 2026/27.

It comes after the best spa staycations for the festive season were revealed, from Cumbria to Wiltshire.

Editor In Chief Sinead McIntyre and her family shared their experience of The Swan in Cumbria.

Sinead described the pad as set in a stunning location on River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere.

While the 17th-century former coach house exudes tranquillity.

The luxury cottages are dog-friendly and the rooms and suites are all individually decorated.

The family suite they stayed in had views of the river, two TVs, and cookies and milk for the kids at bedtime in a special Beatrix Potter tin, to honour the former local.

Sinead also soaked up spectacular views from Holte Spa’s outdoor hot tub.

She recommends trying the alfresco Finnish sauna, before hopping between the experience showers, indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, steam room and naturally filtered Jacuzzi.

The Swan’s brasserie offers a delicious seasonal menu too, Sinead revealed.