By Julian Whittle Political editor

Published at 19:38, Thursday, 06 March 2008

ALL-PARTY backing for Carlisle Renaissance proposals to redevelop Rickergate appears to have collapsed.

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Opposition Labour city councillors are demanding a rethink of plans to demolish the Civic Centre, other public buildings and homes in Warwick Street to make way for a plaza, shops, offices and a hotel.

Labour leader Michael Boaden said: “Carlisle Renaissance to date has involved spending large sums on consultants to produce grandiose schemes.

“These are often half baked and unsupported by the public or indeed within the council.

“We need a fresh start, an early review and a focused public debate on the areas where we need to concentrate our efforts so we end up with a true renaissance for Carlisle.”

Mr Boaden is putting down a marker ahead of crucial council elections on May 1.

Labour needs a net gain of just one seat to take control for the first time since 1999.

The Renaissance proposals were developed in response to the 2005 floods. As well as the Rickergate, scheme, there are plans to enhance the “historic quarter” and redevelop Viaduct Estate.

Mr Boaden is also uneasy about proposals, approved by the council, to hand control to a 12-person board dominated by the private sector.

Cumbria County Council’s cabinet is also expected to back the idea of a Renaissance board when it meets on Tuesday.

Mr Boaden said: “We are anxious that the membership of the board reflects the community. We need to ensure proper representation from public organisations in Carlisle and, most importantly, from residents.

“Renaissance is too important to be left in the control of a set of hand-picked and unrepresentative people.”

The council’s leader, Conservative Mike Mitchelson, was furious at Mr Boaden’s remarks and accused Labour of playing “petty politics”.

He said: “Michael Boaden has been involved in many meetings where plans have been drawn up and discussed.

“He was at a workshop when the structure of the Renaissance board was developed.”

Mr Mitchelson added: “We are at the stage now when foundations are in place and things are on the verge of happening.

“Delay or changing our minds will put major projects behind schedule.

“Millions in investment from the Northwest Development Agency and the private sector would be lost to Carlisle.

“Petty squabbling by one section of the council is not doing residents any favours.”

Mr Mitchelson said the council had consulted “extensively” on its Renaissance plans.

And the bill for the consultants was being met by the Northwest Development Agency, not council tax payers, he said.

The Rickergate plans face stiff opposition from the Save Our Streets campaign too.

They could be scuppered by the findings of the Carlisle local plan inquiry or if Culture Secretary Andy Burnham lists any affected buildings.

Announcements on both are expected within a month.

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