Sustainability
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Devonshire Street Public Realm
The first phase of Carlisle’s £100 million regeneration programme which sets the principles for the city-wide redevelopment works.
Mixed Use Regeneration - The North, England
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Project Overview
We were appointed to provide civil, landscape and structural engineering services for the upgrade, narrowing and realignment of Devonshire Street within the city centre of Carlisle. The project was the first phase of the much wider Southern Gateway scheme for City regeneration, including transport and pedestrian improvements in Carlisle.
The Southern Gateway project forms part of the Council’s £100m regeneration programme for Carlisle, supported by UK Government funding through the Future High Streets Fund, Town Deal and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal initiative. This multi-million-pound investment is focused on transforming the city centre by improving infrastructure, boosting economic growth and creating a more attractive, accessible environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The project involved the widening of footways to enhance the pedestrian feel of the busy nighttime economy, helping to create a high-quality, more attractive, and accessible city centre. Works included widening the pavements on both sides of the road, the introduction of new seating, trees, and plants, providing cycle racks, a single lane carriageway for vehicles and two loading bays. This was not without its challenges, though: road encroachment towards existing cellars, lightwells and basements to the shop fronts and properties caused minor interruptions.
Curtins provided emergency works support and helped steer the structural solutions so that time and cost budgets could still be achieved despite temporary road closures to ensure pedestrian and user safety. Curtins provided concept landscape and public realm/urban designs, which were developed into engineering solutions as regeneration of the street; an improvement welcomed by residents and locals. Green spaces were added, including grass and perennial planting and trees. These spaces formed Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDs) rain garden features to enhance and improve the space and water quality whilst removing considerable catchments from the existing combined sewer system.
The Challenge
Reworking the city centre infrastructure to suit the night time economy desirables
Fitting in tree cells (tree and tree root system) within a heavily defined location
Reworking existing construction for use in the future
Our Solution
Special coordination
Worked with GBU to resolve spatial constraints
Existing surfaces were tested for suitability for reuse
Testimonal
“We had the pleasure of working with the Curtins based in Kendal as part of the design and build team for both the Devonshire Street project and the Market Square & Greenmarket project, both integral to a wider programme of significant city regeneration in Carlisle. From the outset, their approach was exemplary. Communication was open, transparent, and timely, which made it easy to discuss project aspirations and scope with confidence. They were always accessible and responsive, ensuring that engagement was proactive throughout every stage. The quality of their designs was outstanding, balancing innovation with sensitivity to the historic context of the city. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the recent award for the Devonshire Street project, which celebrates the design and the use of new approaches to address long-standing historic challenges. Their professionalism, collaborative spirit, and ability to deliver high-quality solutions have been instrumental in the success of these projects.”
Awards
CIHT | Best Small Project Award
Our Approach
Foursite
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Digital Delivery
Learn MoreWith a rich history of embracing cutting-edge technology, we lead the way in digital delivery. Accredited with the BSI BIM Kitemark, we collaborate in a digital environment using the latest industry tools, and continuously enhance our digital capabilities to add tangible value to our projects.
Ecofurbishment
Learn MoreOur economical remodelling of existing buildings to ensure they can reused or retrofitted in a sustainable, continuous loop.
Investigations & Appraisals
Learn MoreExperienced assessments, investigations, appraisals and the development of cost-effective structural repair solutions for existing buildings, including non-traditional housing.
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