A deal that would see a private-sector partner help to run two of Carlisle's biggest industrial estates is almost complete.

Carlisle City Council began a search for a partner to help manager Kingstown and Parkhouse in 2014. It now has a preferred bidder and is negotiating a contract.

The aim is to bring investment and "market expertise", that will help generate extra revenue for the council. But its is not ruling out a rent rise for tenants.

The news that a deal is close came at a meeting of the authority's executive this week.

The finance, governance and resources portfolio holder, Councillor Les Tickner, believes the new arrangement will be good for the estates.

He said: "We have a preferred supplier but we have not signed a contract with them at the moment."

The tender process saw 21 companies approach the council with an interest in taking on the partnership.

In a report to members, the preferred partner was described as a "dedicated and proven industrial property specialist".


Les Tickner Dr Tickner did not identify them, however, saying the contract was still under negotiation. The estates, which are near to junction 44 of the M6, are valued at £26 million.

They have 140 ground leases bringing in about £2m each year in revenue and the council hopes that the partner will be able to boost this figure.

Dr Tickner said: "The biggest thing is that they will look at things in the long-term.

"They have contacts and they can bring industry up here and sell Carlisle with its close proximity to the motorway and the airport."

He also pledged to support the existing tenants.

He said: "We would not like to do anything which would chase away our tenants who have been loyal to us."

Dr Tickner added that, although he could not rule out a rise in rents, it would not be a case of asking businesses to pay something for nothing.

He said: "They [the tenants] would have to be getting something extra for it."

And he promised that any rent rise would have to be approved by the city council, and that the partner would be paid only if it met performance targets.