Plans to transform Carlisle Railway Station and its surrounds remain on track with the appointment of the contractors for its design and build elements of the £20 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal funded works. 

Story Contracting have been appointed for work to the Northern Gateway and Eric Wright Civil Engineering are the successful contractor for the work to the Southern Gateway of the Station.  

Carlisle-based Story Contracting are an award-winning local business who deliver first class civil engineering and construction projects across the U.K. 

As the company’s construction team prepare to deliver the Northern Gateway, Story’s Rail division are renewing the station platforms on behalf of Network Rail.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been involved in many schemes across Cumbria, most recently completing the award-winning Pooley Bridge, which reconnected the local community for the first time since the town’s historic bridge was washed away by Storm Desmond in 2015.

This is one of the first projects within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to have funding approved to move forward into the delivery phase. Not only will the investment transform the station, but it also will strengthen the strategic connectivity to Carlisle and to the wider Borderlands region.

The proposed redevelopment will improve the station environment and facilities and in turn will encourage visitors to come again, help young people to stay, make the station work better for the public, and stimulate investment in Carlisle.

The ambitious plans also complement the proposed new HS2 high speed railway linking London, the North and Central Scotland with their improved access to new and extended platforms.

Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council said: “This is another key step forward in this important regeneration project which will ultimately encourage more passengers to use the station and create a more attractive gateway to the city centre."

"Both Story Contracting and Eric Wright Civil Engineering have a proven track record in designing and delivering high quality work here in Cumbria and I’m delighted that we will be working with them again on this project.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council, councillor John Mallinson said: "This is great news for Carlisle and the Borderlands. It’s another important step forward and will progress the improvement works at Carlisle Railway Station. The ambitious plans will help the city grow and will provide a boost for the local economy.”