STACK Carlisle is one step closer to opening a new chapter in leisure in the city after the scheme was granted planning permission.
Councillors gave the green light to the plan to create a multi-million-pound container village at the site of the former Her Majesty’s Theatre, which will transform part of the Lowther Street Car Park.
STACK, which runs similar schemes in the North East, announced late last year its ambitious plan to use 50 shipping containers to create a complex which will have five bars, 10 street food outlets, and a central plaza with a balcony and stage – all covered by a glass-framed roof. The scheme is expected to open in 2024.
Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “We are very excited to be moving forward in our plans to bring STACK to Carlisle. We have said from day one that it will not only prove a really welcome boost to the leisure offering in the city but will also help the local economy by attracting more visitors – which will benefit everyone.”
STACK is continuing its rapid expansion plan, having recently been given the go-ahead for schemes in Middlesbrough, Durham and Bishop Auckland. A Lincoln project is currently under construction.
The original STACK in Newcastle is also moving to a new permanent home in the city centre, which is due to reopen in summer 2024.