Plans for food hall unveiled as new owners take on Carlisle Market Hall
Carlisle's historic Market Hall has been acquired by a new owner, with bosses promising to "breathe new life" into the site.
Welsh property developer Bearmont Group has acquired the lease for the premises which include the indoor market, the TK Maxx building and the unit formally occupied by Wilko.
Mason Partners will manage the day-to-day running of the site after being jointly appointed by Bearmont Group and Cumberland Council.
It comes as the council is exploring options to improve the facility, including creating a new food hall which it hopes would attract more visitors.
What is being proposed for the site?
Initial plans - submitted to council planners - would remove some existing market stalls to create a new seated area in the centre of the market hall.
Existing market stalls around the perimeter of the building would remain and "are well placed to serve the new central seating area", according to the application submitted earlier this month.
The proposal also states that the designs would allow for the installation of a stage to provide a temporary performance space, including for live music.
Cumberland Council says "Some concept designs for a communal seating area were included in the application to provide some context, however, these designs need to be developed further, and the council looks forward to working with the traders and stallholders as a key part of that process".
Cumberland Councillor Barbara Cannon, executive member for financial planning and assets, said: “These recent developments at The Market Hall are really positive news for Carlisle and the wider Cumberland area.
"We look forward to working with Bearmont, the new managing agents and existing traders and stallholders to develop the site and help it reach its full potential.
“The Market Hall presents a huge opportunity to create an exciting destination for residents and visitors that would contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Carlisle city centre.
"It’s been a much-loved part of the city’s retail offer for generations and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
'A new lease of life'
Rob Lloyd, CEO of Bearmont Group, shared his vision for the site: “The Market Hall represents the heart of Carlisle’s retail experience, and we see a tremendous opportunity to bring new energy to this historic site.
"This is part of our strategic approach - identifying shopping centres that have lost their way and giving them a new lease of life.
"We’ll be working closely with Cumberland Council to breathe new life into the indoor market, with an emphasis on introducing more local artisan businesses and an expanded food offering.
"We’ve already received interest from prospective tenants for the former Wilko site, and we hope to announce further developments shortly.”
Mr Lloyd added that Bearmont would hope to combine traditional retail with a fresh and modern approach.
“Markets today need to inspire people to visit; we’re looking at introducing more artisan vendors, like butchers, fishmongers, and bakers, to restore that personal, vibrant atmosphere where shoppers can enjoy unique, quality goods and genuine interactions,” he said.
"We are keen to welcome smaller local businesses that require flexible, cost-effective space. As a private company, we can make quick decisions - often within a day or two - allowing us to respond rapidly to the needs of our tenants, especially independent retailers.”