Residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on how Carlisle should develop in the years ahead, as a new public consultation opens today, Wednesday 21 January. The exercise marks the start of a three week engagement period focused on the future growth and regeneration of the city.
Cumberland Council is seeking feedback on how Carlisle can grow, improve and meet the needs of people who live, work and invest in the area. The consultation forms part of wider work to shape economic priorities and guide long term development.
The council is currently preparing an Economic and Inclusive Growth Strategy alongside area specific masterplans. These documents are intended to provide a framework to support economic regeneration across Cumberland, with Carlisle identified as a key focus.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“We have set out a commitment to ensure that Cumberland is an attractive, vibrant and prosperous place and that it meets the needs of existing and prospective residents, visitors and businesses.
“As part of this, we are developing an Economic and Inclusive Growth Strategy and area specific masterplans that will set out a framework to support the economic regeneration of places across Cumberland.
“It is important that our residents and businesses are given the opportunity to have their say and to let us know what is important to them and give suggestions on how we can make improvements.”
The Carlisle masterplan consultation is being delivered online and will run until Wednesday 11 February 2026. Responses gathered during this period will be used to inform the development of a Carlisle Masterplan.
The completed masterplan is expected to guide future economic growth, regeneration and renewal across the city. It will identify potential investment opportunities and consider ways to improve connectivity within the city centre, with a focus on better linking key sites and destinations.
The proposals will also address recreation and sport, health and wellbeing, and the overall use and vitality of the city centre. A programme of deliverable activities will be set out to support activation, attractiveness and long term sustainability.
The council says the Carlisle masterplan consultation is a key opportunity for local voices to influence how the city evolves and how future improvements are prioritised.
