Devonshire Street has closed to traffic as part of the regeneration plans for the city centre.

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

The project secured 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.

The project aims 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. 

Temporary bus stops will be located on Lowther Street outside Club Britannia and on The Crescent and a traffic diversion is in place.

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.

A leading Carlisle estate agent has said he is ‘excited' for the future of the city centre but residents have raised concerns about the effect the closure will have on the city.

“What happens to the traffic crossing over the viaduct, where do they then go?” said Alf.

“These artists impressions are a farce. I recall the Dixon Mill conversion into apartments where this cafe culture had tables and chairs along the pavement on Junction St.

“Who in their right mind would sit out there in our climate along with non-stop traffic fumes enjoying a cafe latte.

“Fully pedestrianize Bank Street, leave Devonshire St as a traffic thoroughfare.”

The works are scheduled to end at the back end of June.