By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 13:14, Monday, 25 February 2008

MANY people are becoming sceptical about Carlisle Renaissance, a city councillor claims.

Concerned: Labour’s Terry Scarborough

Terry Scarborough, a Labour member for Botcherby, told colleagues that some were asking him: “Will it happen in my lifetime?”

He said: “They are becoming exasperated and disillusioned. The main words they hear in connection with Carlisle Renaiisance are aspiration and consultants.

“I’m not trying to be negative but I hope that in five years’ time people coming to Carlisle will be able to ask where the ice rink is and where the theatre is.

“And I don’t want a lot of the high-speed trains passing through Carlisle with passengers waving through the windows.”

Mr Scarborough was speaking at a meeting of the community overview and scrutiny committee.

Councillor Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for economic development, said Carlisle Renaissance was not just about making a physical difference.

She said: “It is only three years since the floods and we have done a lot of work. But you can’t turn round an oil tanker in a hurry. A lot is happening, such as the Jobs Fair. We are now approaching the time when we will start making a physical difference.”

Council chiefs admitted recently that work on Carlisle Renaissance schemes to redevelop Rickergate and the Viaduct Estate are unlikely to start until 2010.

Renaissance was launched as a response to the 2005 floods with promises it would create 3,000 jobs, bring £160m of private investment and transform the face of Carlisle.

The Renaissance plans for Rickergate involve demolition of the Civic Centre, police and fire stations, magistrates court and homes in Warwick Street. In their place would come shops and offices, a tree-lined square and a luxury hotel.

Viaduct Estate would get a waterfront office development and possibly an HQ for the University of Cumbria.

The city council’s director of Renaissance, Ian McNichol, says obstacles have to be overcome before building work can begin.

First published at 09:09, Saturday, 16 February 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk