University of Cumbria’s flagship Carlisle Citadels campus project has taken another step forward with the submission of the formal planning application to Carlisle City Council.
The planning application follows the recent announcement of Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), being appointed as sole contractor for this transformational build, to create a new University of Cumbria campus in the heart of the city.
The plans will now be shared publicly and the city council will undertake a period of consultation where views on the proposed development can be expressed.
Designed by DAY Architectural Ltd., the new campus plans include the retention of the two Grade I listed Citadel rotundas on the proposed site along with other historic and heritage features, including the Woolworth and Burton’s buildings. Accessible, inclusive, and inspirational, the design also seeks to open the site and facilities, in a managed way, to the local community.
University of Cumbria, Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell said: “Today’s planning application takes us another step closer to realising our ambition to develop a new university campus in the heart of the city.
“A truly transformational project, the new Citadels campus will increase the accessibility, reach and impact of our academic offer.
“It will also add vibrancy to the city centre increasing activity, footfall and investment, and support our region’s post-covid recovery.”
The Carlisle Citadels campus project has been developed by the University of Cumbria, Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, and Cumbria
£50 million of funding for the project is being provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal with and additional £4million from the Carlisle Town Deal Fund and the university expected to help meet the £77.5 million total cost.
It is hoped that the planning application process will be completed in the summer, with the main construction work beginning in the first half of 2023, and completion forecasted for spring 2026.
There will be some site preparation work later this year, including archaeological investigations and other construction related survey work.
View the fly-through video here.
