By Julian Whittle

Published at 05:35, Friday, 23 May 2008

DEMOLITION-threatened buildings in Carlisle’s Rickergate could soon be included in a conservation area.

‘Significant’: Catherine Elliot:

The move would not prevent redevelopment but would make it more difficult.

A new report says the existing city-centre conservation area should be extended to cover Warwick Street, the fire station, former police station, magistrates’ court and Adriano’s Restaurant.

All these buildings, along with the Civic Centre, are earmarked to go under a Carlisle Renaissance scheme.

The city council wants to flatten them to make way for a plaza with shops and offices, and a four-star hotel.

The report, drawn up by council development director Catherine Elliot, says: “Extending the conservation area to take in the magistrates’ court group of buildings is worthy of consideration as these have significant townscape value.”

The city-centre conservation area was last reviewed in 1986. It covers the area from the castle to Court Square, including English Street and part of Lowther Street.

Mrs Elliot says it should be extended to include:

Bitts Park;

Much of Viaduct Estate, to ensure future redevelopment is “sensitive”;

Victoria Viaduct and Citadel station;

The former Lonsdale Cinema in Warwick Road;

The area between Lonsdale Street and Warwick, including the Crown Court;

The Lanes and the area between Lowther Street and Georgian Way.

Her recommendations go to the council’s executive next Thursday May 29 and will be subject to public consultation before a final decision is taken.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk