Carlisle, Cumbria

The practice was approached to commence work on a number of feasibility studies and alterations within the existing shopping centre in the centre of Carlisle. The practice were subsequently commissioned for a number of realised projects including refurbishment and maintenance of certain shopping centre buildings, alongside shell works to some of the 70 or so retail units within the complex.

As part of the feasibility study, a range of long term options were explored for the shopping centre in efforts to expand the amount of retail space available as requested by high street brands. Additionally and in response to the “Carlisle Retail Study 2012” report, broader development options were prepared as a direct response to the report which identified the need for an additional minimum 25,400m² of retail area by 2030 in order to maintain Carlisle as a vibrant and relevant retail destination.

The schemes therefore looked at the potential options for expansion, on adjacent under-utilised sites in the city where expansion and linkage could occur. Land currently occupied as car parking directly opposite the shopping centre on Lowther St was an obvious option and has naturally led onto some speculative image proposals as seen in the images shown. These options were subsequently presented to the City Council as a realistic opportunity to generate this requirement.