The University have been visionary in seeing and capitalising on this opportunity within our historic city. The Citadel Campus project will breathe new life into the city which can only ever be a good thing. 

Once the gateway to the city, we now have a chance to make a gateway to a better life.

- Mally Chung, Production Manager, University of Cumbria Institute of the Arts alumnus and Honorary Fellow 

The overall vision of this ambitious project is to bring the iconic Citadel buildings back into use, respecting the heritage whilst creating a modern and vibrant new hub for learning, business and culture that re-shapes the future of Carlisle and the Borderlands region for the benefit of its communities and future generations. It will boost our economy and will bring the historic Citadel buildings back into use.

- Councillor John Mallinson, Leader, Carlisle City Council

We’ve been working with Carlisle City Council and the University of Cumbria for a number of years on this project and it is really great to see it coming to a culmination. 

It isn’t just the two landmark Citadels, the development extends across the entire area people know as the Woolworth’s block. It will give the university fantastic 21st century facilities for the students of the future. 

Providing footfall from the many students at the university and the staff working there will assist the regeneration and sustain the High Street. The Citadels project should not be seen in isolation. There is additional investment into Carlisle Railway Station and other key schemes.

- Councillor John Mallinson, Leader, Carlisle City Council

This amazing campus facility in the heart of the city is such a confident stride forward for the university and the city.  It is a tangible demonstration of progress and will give the university a permanent presence in the city centre.  It puts the future of our young people in the county front and square and I wholeheartedly support it.

- Pete Woolaghan, trustee, REACT Foundation (University of Cumbria Honorary Fellow too) 

Wow what an exciting time and chapter.  

Can’t wait to see what this new phase for the University leads to. Carlisle is a city with huge potential, great people and the history and geographical location to attract world class talent. I have no doubt Cumbrian determination and these ambitious plans will lead to something that will benefit the whole region and beyond. 

- Helen Skelton, broadcaster and Class of 2004, Journalism, Institute of Arts, University of Cumbria (also university honorary fellow) 

I am fully in support of the proposals to redevelop and repurpose the Citadels buildings and surrounding area. The plans reveal what is a very exciting project, restoring the iconic gateway into Carlisle and preserving parts of the city’s heritage for future generations.  Looking at the plans alongside the £20m project to redevelop the station, and other investments in the southern quarter this will truly transform this part of our city, creating vibrancy and putting education, skills, jobs and the community right at the very heart.

- John Stevenson, Carlisle MP 

This is a great news and is such an important project for the university, city and region. With its emphasis on place, this key landmark site together - with the fortunes and opportunities of the area and everyone who lives, works and studies there – can be enhanced

- Wayne Hemingway MBE , co-founder of Hemingway Design and University of Cumbria Honorary Fellow