Client

University of Cumbria

Local Authority

Carlisle City Council

Project Description

Proposals to redevelop The Citadels to provide a new University of Cumbria campus

DPP were appointed by DAY on behalf of the University of Cumbria to provide strategic pre-planning advice regarding proposals to redevelop The Citadels in Carlisle City Centre to provide a new University of Cumbria campus. 

The Carlisle Citadels project is at the heart of the proposed wider transformation of Carlisle City Centre taking place over the next five years, ensuring Carlisle reaches its full potential as the hub of the Borderlands area. The redevelopment is a key component in the shared Vision for Carlisle in 2030 ‘to develop a thriving centre for business, residents, education and culture’. 

 The Citadels projects new campus proposal will see the University of Cumbria relocated from its two Carlisle campuses into one city centre location. Just over 14,000 square metres of space will be provided across the refurbished Citadel buildings and the new build provision.  The majority of the Woolworth Buildings are being retained and refurbished with a small proportion being demolished as they are not suitable for re-use. 

 An additional 6,000 square metres of space will be available on site for future university expansion. The proposals include the creation of extensive publicly accessible amenity space and new facilities such as multi-purpose 200-seater lecture theatre, café, exhibition space and a Business Interaction Centre and access to the Grade 1 listed building assets.  The university intends to open up both heritage assets and the new university facilities to the public. There will be limited on-site parking due to the sustainable location of the site. 

 A green landscaped area to the south of the Crown Court building will connect the refurbished Carlisle Station to the university campus. Furthermore, an extensive landscaped central amenity space will be provided and open to the public.  

Achievements

DPP undertook an online and in-person public consultation event which took place in December 2021. DPP submitted a full planning and listed building consent application for the proposed development in March 2022, which was unanimously approved at planning committee on 5th August 2022