Plans for new University of Cumbria campus in Carlisle move forward

Council members have backed plans to transfer land in English Street to the university and provide funding for a new business centre

Carlisle Citadels project proposals
Author: Natalia AntoniwPublished 28th Sep 2026

Plans for a new University of Cumbria campus in Carlisle city centre have moved forward.

Cumberland Council's Executive has agreed to recommend giving council-owned land on English Street to the university.

Carlisle Citadels project proposals

It has also approved plans to provide £5.215 million of Town Deal funding for a new Business Exchange Centre.

The proposals are part of the wider redevelopment of the Citadels site in the city centre.

The new campus could include teaching spaces and areas for businesses and start-ups to work.

Carlisle Citadels project proposals

The Business Exchange Centre planned would also provide office space for new and growing businesses and bring them together with the university.

Carlisle Citadels project proposals

Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "This is an important project for Carlisle and one that has the potential to deliver significant change to the city. Bringing a modern university campus into the heart of the city will create new opportunities for learning, innovation and business growth while helping to breathe new life into one of Carlisle's key sites.

"The Citadels development will strengthen Carlisle's position as a regional centre for education and investment, creating benefits that will be felt across Cumberland and the wider Borderlands region."

Carlisle Citadels project proposals

The plans will be considered by the full council on Wednesday 30 September.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.