By Julian Whittle Political editor

Last updated at 12:17, Tuesday, 17 June 2008

THE first Renaissance scheme to change the face of Carlisle will start this autumn, city council leader Mike Mitchelson has pledged.

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Renaissance was launched as a response to the floods of January 2005.

MP Eric Martlew and others have criticised the apparently slow rate of progress.

But Mr Mitchelson, speaking at the launch of the latest Renaissance consultation yesterday, promised that the public would not have long to wait before the first proposals become reality.

He said: “The first site where things will happen is the historic core. We want to build on the heritage and make it more attractive for residents and visitors.

“That scheme is due to begin this autumn and will be worked around the busy Christmas period to minimise disruption to shoppers.”

The plans involve relaying part of Castle Street with sandstone flags and closing West Walls to traffic.

Mr Mitchelson added: “Viaduct Estate will probably be the first area where new build takes place, within the next couple of years.

“We are particularly pleased that the University of Cumbria has identified it as the site for their headquarters.

“There could also be restaurants and bars there along the river frontage, which is the only river frontage that is suitable for development.”

Mr Mitchelson was speaking at the launch of an exhibition at the Old Town Hall in Greenmarket, on the Renaissance Urban Design Guide and Public Realm Framework.

The document is a handbook for developers and architects, outlining schemes and specifying materials right down to paving stones, street lamps and litter bins.

Residents are invited to comment over the next six weeks before the document is redrafted and approved by the city council.

Mr Mitchelson said: “We want to get people involved and expressing their views.

“We are outlining what our aim is and the planning guidelines that set the standard for design work, whether it is improving existing buildings or new buildings.

“High-quality public realm improvements do make a big difference.”

The framework was drawn up by the urban design consultancy Gillespies.

It outlines Renaissance schemes based on four “city squares” – Court Square, Market Square, Rickergate Plaza and one in Viaduct Estate. It also touches on transport issues and plans for Botchergate and Shaddongate. Copies are available to inspect at the Civic Centre, Carlisle Library and at www.carlisle.gov.uk.

Comments can be emailed to lpc@carlisle.gov.uk or posted to: Local Plans and Conservation Manager, Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8QG.

The consultation ends on July 31.

The exhibition is open 10am-5.30pm today and tomorrow;1.30-3.30pm on Saturday; 9.30am-6.30pm the following Monday and 9.30am-5.30pm next Tuesday.

First published at 11:42, Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk