Expansion plans revealed for Tribe's cultural hub in Bitts Park

Planning approval has been requested from the city council for an extension to the Bitts Park Container Project.

Tribe Carlisle CIC won the contract in Summer to operate a cultural hub from Bitts Park, it sees entrepreneurs operating their businesses from shipping containers whilst being given expert guidance and giving back to their community.

Carlisle City Council launched the project thanks to £150,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government.

Planning permission has now been submitted to build temporary hoardings which will act as work surfaces for learning street art and applying motifs to large surfaces.

The planning permission has been submitted by Ben Heslop of Blank Wall Assassins.

In his Design and Heritage Statement, Mr Heslop examines the impact of an expansion of the project on the heritage asset, Carlisle Castle.

He said that to date the cultural hub has proven a benefit to Carlisle: “The container project has managed to contribute a degree of vitality to the parkland by way of its close relationship to the play area and the variety of its offerings.

“It is now a well supported facility and by next Summer will have established itself as a true recreational asset.”

A positive atmosphere surrounds Tribe’s project as it continues to grow, Mr Heslop said: “Overall the impact to the heritage asset is a minimal one but positive in its outlook and vitality, particularly in the current climate where outdoor seating and courtyard opportunities are now prevailing.

He said: “Carlisle is realising itself in the gradual emergence of art and culture, albeit small and this temporary addition reflects the current trend for youth culture and inner city regrowth.”

The public can view and comment on all applications submitted to the council for approval.

Comments of support or objection will be taken into account when the planning panel decides whether to give plans the go ahead.