After years of dormancy, Carlisle's Bitts Park Lodge set to reopen

Carlisle's Bitts Park Lodge, which has remained closed following severe flood damage in 2015, is set to reopen after over a decade, made possible through a partnership between Cumberland Council, Story Contracting, Story Homes, Carlisle College, and Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

Essential repair works are due to be carried out by Story Homes and Story Contracting at no expense to Cumberland Council, aiming to restore the lodge to a dry and secure condition.

Restoration efforts will include roof repairs, replacement joinery, installation of new doors and windows, as well as electrical and insulation upgrades.

Carlisle College is set to offer its construction students real-world experience by involving them in aspects of the restoration process at Bitts Park Lodge.

This collaboration seeks to provide students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities beyond conventional classroom settings, reducing waste and contributing positively to the community.

The leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, expressed delight at the reopening, noting the partnership as a potential blueprint for repurposing derelict council buildings into community assets.

Andy Clode from Story Contracting emphasised the importance of the initiative, praising the collaborative effort with the Council and the College, while also acknowledging the support of suppliers volunteering their services free of charge.

Sarah McGrath, Principal at Carlisle College, highlighted the project's potential for student engagement, while Habitat for Humanity GB aims to bring national awareness to the initiative.

Henrietta Blackmore, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, commended the solution found through the local partnership.

Surveys of the building are planned for the summer, with repair work slated to commence in September, aligning with Carlisle College’s curriculum integration in October.