A CARLISLE industrial estate kicked-off its milestone celebrations as staff enjoyed a special birthday cake.

Twenty years ago Brian Scowcroft was chosen by Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council, to develop the former MOD’s 14 MU storage facility into the successful industrial estate and Enterprise Zone that it is today.

Since then, millions of pounds has been invested in the site which is now home to more than 150 businesses employing more than 2,000 people.

Commenting on its success Mr Scowcroft said: “I can’t quite believe that it’s been 20 years.

"My team, past and present, and I, are very proud of what we have achieved for the City of Carlisle.

"It’s no surprise to me that Kingmoor Park is becoming more successful as each year passes. That’s why I became involved in the first place.

"We will soon reach an extremely important employment milestone, which was set by the two councils at the beginning of the development process. We will be announcing this in the very near future."

The specially-commissioned cake, made by Sara Ruddick Cakes and which featured the site’s logo, was shared between staff members past and present.

Celebrations will continue throughout the year with events including the opening of a garden on site, created by staff, tenants and members of the local community, this summer. It will feature as special centrepiece commemorating the 14Mu’s history.

There will also be a celebration of the site’s history showcasing materials that would have been used when it was an active MOD base, with memorabilia provided by the Solway Aviation museum.

Kingmoor Park Properties Ltd will be holding an event later this year with their chosen charity of the year Carlisle Youth Zone.