27/1/2006 - Carlisle Renaissance boosted by visit of DPM

Cumbria County Council leader Tim Stoddard has welcomed today's visit of the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott MP to Carlisle to monitor the ongoing progress of the Carlisle Renaissance project.

"It's now over a year since the floods and Carlisle has shown its resilience and determination in getting to where it is today," said Councillor Stoddard.

"The council has been part of the Renaissance project from the outset, and it's not just about getting back to where we were before the floods - it's about regenerating the city so it's a more prosperous and vibrant place than ever before."

Councillor Stoddard met the Deputy Prime Minister this morning, along with Carlisle City Council leader Mike Mitchelson and chief executive Maggie Mooney.

Cumbria County Council is working jointly with the City Council on the development framework and movement study to ensure planning and transport policies encourage Carlisle’s renaissance.

The DfES has agreed in principle to provide £30m to develop secondary education in Carlisle following the floods. Cumbria County Council is leading the review of schools in Carlisle by working with the college, higher education, the LSC, and schools to ensure the delivery of the ‘Learning City’ agenda. 

The council has also been working on securing PFI funding to relocate the fire station from Rickergate, helping to modernise the fire service, and by releasing county land for redevelopment opportunities.

It has also been seeking Heritage Lottery Funding for a new Carlisle record office which will allow English Heritage to capitalise on the historical asset of the castle.