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Tuesday 2 Dec 2025

£13.5 million government investment to transform Carlisle station

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Passengers using Carlisle station will benefit from a £13.5 million government investment to transform the historic station into a modern transport hub that's easier to use and better connected to the city.

The major upgrade will create a modern, accessible gateway to the city with better parking, easier navigation and restored heritage features.

The funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) will support the Carlisle Station Gateway Project, a partnership between Network Rail and Cumberland Council, to create new entrances, improve accessibility, relocate car parking and pedestrianise the station frontage at Court Square.

The improvements will make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the station, navigate between platforms, and access better facilities; all while preserving the building's Victorian heritage.

In the coming months, passengers will see:

• Spring 2026: A new pub opening in the restored first-class waiting room on platform 4.
• Spring 2026: Work begins to improve public space to the south of the station, and build a new customer car park.
• Summer 2026: Pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration of the north station entrance.
• February 2027: Completion of the pedestrianised station entrance to the north and relocated car parking to the south of the station.
• Into 2027: New lifts, staircases and a southern entrance to make the station fully accessible.

The project will make Carlisle station easier to navigate with clearer signage, step-free access to all platforms, and a new entrance at the rear of the station with convenient parking. The improvements will support growing passenger numbers and make the station more accessible for everyone.

Hannah Clarke, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said: “Carlisle station is a beautiful piece of railway heritage and an important gateway to the city. This investment will transform the experience for the thousands of passengers who use the station every day, making it easier to navigate, more accessible, and better connected to the city centre. We're working closely with Cumberland Council and Avanti West Coast to deliver improvements that passengers will see and feel from spring 2026."

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: "This is a fantastic investment from the Department for Transport, and we are delighted that it will be used to improve Carlisle station.

“These enhanced facilities will continue the station’s transformation, creating spaces that are more attractive, accessible, and welcoming.  

“This will make the passenger and visitor experience much better, ensuring that when people arrive in Carlisle, they are greeted by a station that reflects the city’s vibrancy and ambition, and sets the tone for exploring everything our area has to offer.”

Julie Minns, Member of Parliament for Carlisle and North Cumbria said: “This £13.5 million investment is a clear signal of the confidence in Carlisle and in the regeneration that is happening across the city. It adds to the significant public investment already being made and shows real support for Carlisle’s future.

“These improvements will make the station easier to use, more accessible and better connected to the rest of the city. This is a welcome step forward that will benefit passengers, local businesses and everyone who relies on Carlisle station.”

Damien Henderson, Senior Regional Growth Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “This is fantastic news which will support the transformation of Carlisle station to better serve our customers and the city region. We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and Cumberland County Council on delivery of this investment, the wider station masterplan and the longer-term development of the surrounding area.”

The Carlisle Station Gateway Project recognises the important role the station plays in connecting Cumbria to the West Coast Main Line, with services to London, Scotland, Manchester and beyond.

Work is already underway, with construction starting on the new pub and early enabling work. Passengers will see increasing activity around the station throughout 2026 and 2027 as the transformation takes shape.

The project will preserve the station's Grade II listed features while creating modern facilities that meet the needs of today's passengers. Improved drop-off points, relocated parking and better pedestrian access will make journeys easier from door to door.

For more information, please visit Carlisle Station Gateway | Cumberland Council.