Carlisle celebrates completion of Project Tullie with successful event

Carlisle marked the completion of Project Tullie with a celebratory event held at Tullie, Museum & Gallery.

The event brought together Town Deal Board members, project partners, delivery teams, and invited guests to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Carlisle Town Deal programme.

Among the attendees, Emma Porter, former Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, was recognised for her pivotal role in shaping the programme's direction.

The Carlisle Town Deal Board, chaired by David Wright, Land Consultant and Director of Fellpath Town Planning, comprises local leaders from various sectors, including business, education, culture, and transport.

This partnership was established as part of the Government's £3.6 billion Towns Fund programme, which initially selected Carlisle in Autumn 2019 to develop Town Deals.

Carlisle City Council formed a dedicated Town Deal Board that crafted a Town Investment Plan focused on regeneration, connectivity, digital inclusion, cultural investment and skills development.

With the Town Investment Plan submitted in October 2020, the Government confirmed in March 2021 that Carlisle had secured £19.7 million to support a series of transformational projects.

Project Tullie is the first major scheme to reach completion, officially reopening in April 2025.

Other initiatives progressing as part of the Town Deal include Start with the Park at St Cuthbert's Garden Village, Southern Gateway transport improvements, the Digital and Community Learning Hub, the Lighting Up Carlisle digital project, and business infrastructure development alongside the University of Cumbria.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "The Carlisle Town Deal is a major investment in the future of our city, and this event is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort that has brought us to this stage. Project Tullie is a significant milestone and demonstrates what strong partnership working can deliver. I would like to thank everyone involved, including the Town Deal Board, project teams and community partners, for their commitment and hard work."

David Wright, Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, added: "The Town Deal has enabled Carlisle to progress ambitious projects that will strengthen the city’s economy, cultural life and future growth. Project Tullie is a fantastic achievement and sets the tone for the wider programme. This event is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the progress made so far and to thank all those who have contributed, including former Chair Emma Porter, whose leadership helped shape the direction of the Town Deal."

As Carlisle continues to benefit from the Town Deal, the programme drives investment to bolster the city's growth as a vibrant, well-connected, and forward-looking location.