By Chris Story

Published at 09:19, Saturday, 31 May 2008

THE public is to be asked its opinion on whether Carlisle city centre’s conservation area should be expanded – possibly to cover demolition-threatened buildings in Rickergate.

Report: The conservation area could be expanded to cover Rickergate, the magistrates’ court, Corporation Road and the fire station

Issues raised by work done for Carlisle Renaissance, including reports on the development of an historic core and campaigns to save the former Lonsdale Cinema building and parts of Rickergate, have prompted a review of existing boundaries. They could now be widened to include the magistrates’ court buildings because of their “significant townscape value”.

A report, drawn up by council development director Catherine Elliot and considered by the city council’s executive on Thursday, said the existing city centre zone should be extended to cover Warwick Street, the fire station, former police station, magistrates’ court and Adriano’s restaurant.

All the buildings, along with the Civic Centre, are earmarked to go under a Carlisle Renaissance scheme. The council wants to flatten them to make way for a plaza with shops and offices, and a hotel.

But even if they were included in the conservation zone, a council spokesman said that such action would not preclude redevelopment or regeneration but would add a significant element, which the council must consider.

Ray Bloxham, the Conservative councillor responsible for the city’s environment and infrastructure, said it was an opportune time to look at the conservation area.

A public consultation will now get underway with the views gathered reported back to councillors.

If appropriate, recommendations to alter the city centre conservation area boundary will also be made. An attempt to get buildings in Rickergate listed was turned down by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, although a request to list the fire station and fire station houses is still under review.

Putting them in a conservation area would be seen as a victory by Save Our Streets, the group campaigning against demolition.

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; Victoria Viaduct and Citadel station; the former Lonsdale Cinema in Warwick Road; the area between Lonsdale Street and Warwick Road; The Lanes and the area between Lowther Street and Georgian Way.

CStory@cngroup.co.uk

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