By Dave Gudgeon

Published at 05:29, Friday, 20 June 2008

PEOPLE have just three more days to visit an exhibition that sets out plans to change the face of Carlisle City Centre and improve it.

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The draft Carlisle City Council planning guide outlines a blueprint for how key parts of the city, including the banks of the River Caldew, could be developed.

The Urban Design Guide and Public Realm Framework, which is intended to be a handbook for developers, architects and designers, is now out for public consultation.

The exhibition is on view in Carlisle’s Tourist Information Centre’s Assembly Rooms tomorrow between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, next Monday between 10am and 6.30pm and on Tuesday between 10am and 5.30pm.

It explains why the Urban Design Guide and Public Framework document has been compiled and what suggestions have been forward by consultants to improve city centre public spaces and buildings.

The technical planning document includes guidance and principles on how buildings should be designed throughout the city centre as well as setting out how the city’s public spaces can be improved through the use of paving materials, seating and lighting.

Four “city squares” – Court Square, Market Square, Rickergate Square and a new square at Caldew Riverside (Viaduct Estate) – are all suggested.

Plans are also proposed for the Caldewgate and Shaddongate area, in addition to the Botchergate South area.

City council leader Mike Mitchelson said: “Carlisle has a unique and important array of buildings and open spaces in its city centre.

“This new draft planning guideline document will help us have stronger planning regulations so we can make sure that we have well designed, high quality buildings and public spaces.

“This will help define how the city will look and develop in the future.

“This is another important step forward for Carlisle Renaissance and we urge local residents to give us their views on the design principles, including making the city centre more accessible and pedestrian friendly.”

Copies of the document will be available, throughout the six-week consultation period at the Civic Centre’s customer contact centre, the city centre Library (based in The Lanes) and an online version is also available on the city council’s website www.carlisle.gov.uk.

People must make their views known by Thursday July 31.

Written responses can be sent to: Local Plans and Conservation Manager, Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8QG, handed in at the public exhibition or emailed to lpc@carlisle.gov.uk

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