MAJOR partners in a 'transformational' project set for Carlisle have said they remain 'fully committed' to the cause - despite the reorganisation of local councils last year causing a delay.
Questions over the future of the £77.5million plan to transform the historic Carlisle Citadels into the new University of Cumbria campus have been raised by Carlisle activist Colin May, Cumberland lead for the political party 'Putting Cumbria First'.
The Citadels project involves the redevelopment of the existing structures and the construction of new buildings, with teaching areas, facilities for administration and support services as well as creative and cultural spaces.
The redevelopment of the iconic Grade-I Listed buildings will bring the university into the heart of the city.
Mr May raised concerns over the project after he claimed that despite the former Cumbria County Council approving the transfer of the Citadels buildings to the university in December 2021, no transfer of ownership was completed and the agreement 'lapsed on March 31 last year', the last day of the old council regime.
This has caused the Putting Cumbria First group to raise questions over the future of the plans and the multimillion pound funding for the city.
However the two organisations at the centre of the project, University of Cumbria and Cumberland Council, have they are in the process of finalising new agreements for the transfer of the land and 'remain fully committed' to delivering the project.
A joint statement from the two organisations to the News & Star said: “All partners remain fully committed to delivering this transformational project.
“The university and Cumberland Council continue to work together on the land assembly work required and are in the process of finalising new agreements for the transfer of the land and property owned by the council that is needed for the project.
“The previous agreements with Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City could not be implemented due to Local Government Organisation.
“The university has already secured vacant possession of several properties on English Street and Victoria Viaduct and is in the process of negotiating the acquisition of the remaining occupied properties on English Street.”
Planning permission for the project was approved in August 2022, and contractor Sir Robert McAlpine was chosen to deliver the work in March of that year.
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