An investor is needed to breathe new life into a prime piece of Carlisle land.
The Central Plaza Hotel was demolished and cleared in 2020 and now Carlisle City Council wants to find a developer to take it on and create a new space.
The city council is working with property consultant CBRE. It has secured cash from the Government’s Future High Street funding to help facilitate the redevelopment of the site.
Around 3,000 students will be based at the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels Campus, immediately opposite this site with completion expected in 2026 – £50 million Funding is being provided for this new Campus from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. In addition, Borderlands has provided £20m funding for the Citadel Railway Station transformation.
Leader of Carlisle City Council John Mallinson, said: “With £70 million secured for redevelopment for the Citadels and train station, there’s a great opportunity for a developer to bring forward a new economic use for the site and be part of the regeneration of this part of the city centre. We want to secure an investor for the site and are working with CBRE to make this happen.”
The former Central Plaza site has been effectively ownerless for several years and is subject to escheat to be dealt with by The Crown Estate.
The council said positive discussions have been held with the Crown’s advisors to ensure the prominent site is brought back into use. It is anticipated that the appropriate investor would be the one recommended by the council following its consideration of any proposals/expressions of interest received.
Studies by Jon Matthews Architects have shown the possibility for up to a five or six-storey commercial or residential development, subject to planning.
A city council spokesman said: “The city council is willing to consider all redevelopment proposals of the site, subject to planning, with a particular focus on high quality and sustainable development which is considered complementary to the surrounding area and regeneration efforts. The process will be split into two stages with the first stage inviting expressions of interest and the second stage inviting formal proposals.
The deadline for Stage 1 submissions is 5pm on Tuesday January 31. Submissions are to be made via CBRE in Manchester as retained agent. More information is available at www.carlisle.gov.uk/centralplaza
