Mott MacDonald, working in partnership with BDP, has been commissioned to develop the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the redevelopment of Carlisle Station.
The project aims to provide a high-quality gateway to the city, encouraging investment by improving the commercial retail offer in the station and in the wider city centre. It will provide carefully designed and sensitively installed entrances and exits to the station, as well as redeveloping parking and drop-off facilities will enable Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council to respect the station’s heritage significance and architecture.
The project involves the optioneering, design and case making for a package of investments at the station including architectural improvements maximising the heritage asset, refreshed office and retail space, new opportunities for commercial and community uses, public realm improvements and highways and junction schemes. Mott MacDonald will also consider the wider economic benefits of investing in the station in the way which best meets the needs of passengers, as well as the wider city.
Carlisle Station is a major gateway into the city and is a key part of the national rail network. It provides access to rail services for over two million passengers every year and acts as a major interchange for the entire Borderlands region with services to the Cumbrian Coast, Tyne Valley, Settle to Carlisle and Glasgow and South Western lines.
As part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, proposals are in place to improve the station's access and its surrounding areas. It would prepare for future rail service improvements providing better overall connectivity and more activity at the station.
Chris Hardwick, regional director – North West, Mott MacDonald said: “We are proud to be involved with the Carlisle Station Redevelopment project, which will help provide a station ready to support the continued economic growth of Carlisle. This important project will also support passengers and visitors using the station, new commercial and retail opportunities, and as they travel to and from the station by sustainable and accessible forms of transport.”
