MAJOR projects in Carlisle funded by cash from the 'Borderlands' deal are moving forward, amid concerns elsewhere in the north of England over funding levels.

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was signed by Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council in 2021.

It has set aside £450million for projects in the area, including £20million for the Carlisle station gateway project.

The station project will see major change to Carlisle station and will create new entrances, a new car park and a new public plaza at the station.

But this week, in Northumberland, the county council’s section 151 officer Jan Willis said that 'escalating costs' are 'a significant challenge facing the Borderlands'.

“Some of the projects are becoming increasingly unaffordable unless Government put more money into the pot," Ms Willis said of stalled projects in Northumberland.

But Cumberland Council said that they were 'driving forward' with the Borderlands’ 'transformational schemes', declining to answer whether they shared Ms Willis’ concerns over the level of funding from the Borderlands and whether they were confident that the project would be delivered on time and on budget.

A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: “Work has started on the Carlisle Station Gateway project, with demolition works on the former Pools.

"The £28million scheme has received £20million from the Borderlands deal.

“It will revitalise Carlisle Station and will improve the gateway to the city centre.

"The aim of the project is to improve access and connectivity to Carlisle and the wider Borderlands region as well as contribute to decarbonisation by encouraging more journeys to be taken by rail.”

The first phase of the project has begun with the demolition of The Pools and the empty Staples building adjacent to Matalan, on James Street and the historic Turkish Baths will remain intact but continue to remain closed.

A spokesperson for the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal added: "The £20million contribution from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to the Carlisle Station Gateway project has been approved and will be supported by funding from Cumberland Council, Network Rail and other partners.

“Significant progress on the project has already been made and work will continue over a number of years to complete the aim of making the station area more user-friendly and accessible."