Carlisle Market Square and Greenmarket

Our role on this project was to provide civil and structural engineering services for the redevelopment of Market Square, Castle Street and Green Market in the heart of Carlisle, aiming to transform the heart of the city into a greener and more vibrant place.

The project formed the second phase of the wider Southern Gateway scheme for Carlisle City's £100 million regeneration. Backed by national funding including the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Future High Streets Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the coordinated regeneration programme supports long-term growth, sustainability and high street renewal, while shaping a Carlisle city centre fit for the future.

The project involved the remodelling of 6000-square-meters of space, to generate a more appealing area for the city centre. The regenerated space comprises a stage for live performances, as well as incorporating greenery via trees and planting zones. It also includes the relocation of a War Memorial to a more prominent location, at the request of the Royal British Legion. The focus was also on completing Market Square with new paving and street furniture while enhancing Greenmarket and Castle Street. Unique natural stone features and greenery aimed to transform Greenmarket into an inviting event space, adding charm to the city centre.

Curtins provided engineering support for pavement construction, drainage engineering, Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDs) rain gardens, incorporating tree cells within landscaping zones, using a mix of high-quality natural stone paving and additional greenery. With careful review of existing special constraints and vehicle loading and tracking desires, Curtins were able to ‘engineer’ the space to be suitable for multifunctional space, whilst maintaining key facilities and service space as needed for a thriving city centre location.