Carlisle's high street is witnessing "investor confidence growth" amid key city regeneration projects, says a leading commercial property agent.

Countering the ongoing trend of high street decline and vacant units, an issue which was raised at a Cumberland Council meeting back in January, Carigiet Cowen speaks of positive activity and interest in multiple prime locations within the city.

From buildings on high streets to self-contained sites in smaller shopping destinations, it is said the city is showing signs of promise on the back of key city regeneration projects such as the University of Cumbria's Citadel project, STACK and Carlisle's Railway Station project. 

"Like everywhere else, it is normality that there will always be the recurrence of to let and for sale boards throughout the high street and surrounding areas.

"But behind the advertising are often good enquiries coming forward from new ventures, relocators and people looking for additional space," said estate agent, Ben Blain. 

Recent additions to the estate agents' books include 4 Devonshire Street and 2-4 English Street. 

The Devonshire Street building is currently available to let at £26,750 per year, with the former Lakeland Gifts on English Street advertised at £27,500 per year. 

"Both buildings have good levels of separate interest currently, and it’s hopeful that at least one, if not both will go under offer very shortly.

"The recent sale of the Lloyds Pharmacy at 76 Warwick Road and 37 Lowther Street, shows that investor confidence is growing off the back of the University, Citadel and Railway Station projects which is good news for Carlisle city centre.

"Even away from the main high streets, smaller shopping destinations such as Carlyle’s Court benefits from strong independent retail through Jopson’s Jewellers, SONY Centre, Whyte’s Café and the recent resurgence of The Shabby Scholar," he said. 

Despite witnessing a near 50 per cent void in the office part of the scheme, Carlyle's Court has welcomed two new businesses, bringing its occupancy levels close to complete.

Mr Blain stated the former Tesco on Victoria Viaduct is also starting to pique the interest of developers looking for alternative uses following its closure in 2022. 

The rent, for the lease that will be negotiated, is pegged at around £175,000 per annum. A potential sale of the building is also being considered. 

"Sitting in a strategic position with everything going on, the buildings will inevitably convert to something," he said. 

Local businesses like Genevieve on Warwick Road, Franco's and Brewed Awakenings in Carlisle's Greenmarket, are also a few noteworthy opportunities listed on their website.