Have Your Say on Carlisle’s Future Direction: Council Launches City Masterplan Consultation

Cumberland Council has launched a three‑week public consultation to give people in Carlisle the opportunity to influence how the city should develop and improve in the future. The consultation opened on 21 January 2026 and will run until 11 February 2026, inviting input from local residents, businesses and community groups.
The consultation forms part of the development of a Carlisle Masterplan, a strategic framework designed to guide the city’s economic growth, regeneration and renewal. Officials say the plan will identify key investment opportunities, explore ways to improve connectivity across the city centre, and help link up important sites and public spaces.
In addition to physical and economic development, the masterplan will also consider areas such as recreation and sport, health and wellbeing, with the aim of supporting the activation, vitality and attractiveness of the city centre for residents and visitors alike.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, emphasised the importance of local voices in shaping the city’s future, saying the consultation will help ensure Carlisle remains an “attractive, vibrant and prosperous place” that meets the needs of current and prospective residents, visitors and businesses. He encouraged people to share what matters most to them and offer suggestions on potential improvements.
Those interested in contributing can take part in the online survey before the consultation closes. Results from the feedback will be used to help finalise the masterplan, ensuring that community priorities play a pivotal role in guiding future developments in Carlisle.