Carlisle council buys former Border TV studio
Last updated at 11:49, Friday, 14 August 2009
Carlisle City Council has bought the old Border TV studio at Durranhill, The Cumberland News can reveal.
The council was given cash by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to complete the purchase last month.
Durranhill has been identified by Carlisle Renaissance as a key site in the regeneration of the city.
Plans are now being drawn up for a comprehensive remodelling of the industrial estate and a drive will be launched to attract businesses to the area.
The 2.37-acre former Border studio, at the entrance to the estate, will eventually be used to form a ‘gateway’ to the site.
The city council, Cumbria County Council and the NWDA have formed a partnership to lead the regeneration work.
Marilyn Bowman, Carlisle City Council’s spokeswoman on economy, said: “Carlisle City Council has been able to buy the former Border TV studio site supported by funding from the NWDA.
“The industrial estate has been highlighted by both Carlisle Renaissance and Cumbria County Council as a location which can provide additional economic benefits to the south of the city in terms of investment, development and job creation.”
Tony Markley, the county council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “The negotiations involved in the eventual redevelopment of the Border TV site are progressing well.
“Cumbria County Council has carried out an assessment of the site and it has clear potential for economic development, with excellent access to transport networks on both rail and road.
“We are working with our partners at Carlisle City Council and the NWDA to breathe life into the site so that it can attract new businesses and help boost the local economy.”
Mark Hughes, executive director, economic development at the NWDA, said: “The location and size of the ITV Border site represents an excellent opportunity for Carlisle and I am pleased it has been secured for redevelopment.”
“The right development here will attract private sector investment and help to create jobs, which will make a significant impact on the local economy.”
The deal to buy the building was brokered by property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall and surveyor Michael Carigiet Associates.
The city council has stressed that although the premises is empty, alarms have been fitted and security measures are in place on the building.
First published at 05:18, Friday, 14 August 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Mee (is that the name of a cartoon character?), if you'd read my comment about 'Rubbish Spies' on the Evening News website you would have seen "I do agree persistent offenders should be fined but only after the Council tackled more important problems."
The 'issue' I have is that perhaps there are more important issues for the Council to sort out rather than some of the ridiculous things they are doing, after all, are we not still stuck with an Italian Restaurant that was bought last year?My comment about them making money out of fines should be taken in the above context.Of course it is important for Carlisle to have capacity to move forward when the recession ends, businesses could just use any of the countless empty units already available throughout the city and beyond. We don't need yet another White Elephant.Silly Moo, sorry, Mee.View all 4 comments on this article
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Out of curiosity I've just taken a look at the City Councils own Vacant Commercial Property listing on their main website, there are 65 vacant commercial properties within the city, predominantly Kingstown, Rosehill and Durranhill. These range in size from small workshops to massive factory size units.
Mee, there is already more than enough capacity for any business wishing to move here or expand without the council purchasing a site. Based on the councils own information I think DE has a fair and valid point.Posted by Anon on 16 August 2009 at 10:01