Devonshire Street is set to close from next week as part of the regeneration plans for the city centre.

The regeneration projects on Devonshire Street and English Street will start on Monday, February 5 for 20 weeks, weather permitting.

Securing an investment of £2.04 million from Central Government, including contributions from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, Future High Street Fund, and Town Deals, and the proposed plans include more outdoor seating, street furniture, benches, cycle parking, trees, and plants.

News and Star: English Street proposalsEnglish Street proposals (Image: Cumberland Council)The projects aim to create a “high quality, welcoming environment”, with more spaces for people to walk and spend time sitting outdoors.

To ensure the safety of the public and contractors, a full road closure of Devonshire Street is necessary and will be in place from Monday, February 5, with a diversion route in place.

Local businesses along Devonshire Street will remain open throughout the works with access for pedestrians maintained.

During the road closure Stagecoach services 61, 62, 63/63A, 69, 104 and 67 will be unable to serve the bus stops on English Street. 

News and Star: Devonshire Street proposalsDevonshire Street proposals (Image: Cumberland Council)Temporary bus stops will be located on Lowther Street outside Club Britannia and on The Crescent. 

Additional projects are also underway for Market Square, Greenmarket, and Carlisle Station Gateway.

Local contractors, Eric Wright Civil Engineering Limited and Story Contracting Limited, are overseeing these developments, each contributing to the improvement of key areas within the city.

Cumberland Council has thanked the community and businesses ahead of the works for their “continued support” and patience while the enhancements are being made and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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A leading Carlisle estate agent has said he is ‘excited’ about the future of the city centre with the Devonshire Street project beginning and the station gateway project.

Despite there being well-publicised difficulties for bricks-and-mortar businesses across the country, Ben Blain, estate agent at Carigiet Cowen, said that the future of Carlisle city centre was bright and meant it was a ‘great place to buy’ in terms of retail properties.

For any queries, please contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.