DTZ/Aukett to draw up Carlisle Cathedral vision

DTZ and architect Aukett Fitzroy Robinson have been appointed by regeneration quango Carlisle Renaissance to 'identify and assess proposals' for the historic Carlisle Cathedral Precinct. Engineer Faber Maunsell and tourism consultant Pan Leisure will support the pair.

Carlisle Renaissance was the regeneration programme set up following the devastating floods of January 2005 but has only recently been formalised with a board and business plan. To date, it has delivered none of the proposed developments in the damaged area of the city, much to the dismay of local businesses.

The cathedral sits on the site of an original Roman fort, which was historically used as a medieval priory. Carlisle Renaissance said the area's world-class historic buildings 'deserve a fuller use and will be explored for potential redevelopment'.

Andrew Murdoch, director of Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, which has three offices in the UK in London, Southampton and Bristol commented: "This is an amazing collection of historic buildings. We believe there is a great opportunity to consider some new uses as well as some sensitive recycling of the listed buildings and judicious contemporary infill. Aukett Fitzroy Robinson was responsible for successfully bringing the Royal Exchange in London back to life and we therefore have the confidence and expertise needed to realise the potential of this project."

Deborah Murray, associate director at DTZ, commented: "The Cathedral Precinct is already a fantastic asset which has the potential to act as a high quality gateway between the retail heart of the city, the historic quarter and the University on Caldew Riverside. Sensitive enhancement of connections between the Cathedral and these locations, through both physical links and the introduction of some new uses, will be critical to its success."