Carlisle Railway Station – Network Rail
Project Scope
The project involves refurbishing and adaptively reusing the former first-class waiting room on Platform 4 at Carlisle Citadel Station, transforming it into a vibrant public house while preserving its historic character. Key works include restoring original features such as fireplaces, windows, and timber roofing, alongside essential structural repairs to ensure long-term stability.
The scheme also introduces a mezzanine level to increase usable space and highlight architectural details, along with modern heating systems to improve energy efficiency.
Accessibility will be enhanced through a dedicated car park entrance, and outdoor seating will expand usability. The redesign prioritizes sustainable materials and an efficient layout, creating a functional and attractive space for both customers and businesses.
Work Completed
The refurbishment has successfully restored key historic features, including fireplaces, windows, and timber roofing, preserving the character of the original structure. Structural repairs have been carried out to stabilize and safeguard the building for long-term use.
A new mezzanine level has been constructed, increasing floor space and enhancing the interior experience with elevated views of architectural details. Modern heating systems have been installed to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Access to the site has been upgraded with the addition of a dedicated entrance from the car park, while outdoor seating has been introduced to extend the usable space.
The retail unit has been redesigned using sustainable materials and a customer-focused layout, resulting in a welcoming, modern public house that balances heritage conservation with contemporary functionality.
“A challenging yet exciting scheme sees Krol Corlett working for Network Rail on this revamp of an unused former waiting room into a vibrant public house. Carlisle is seeing some exciting updates to the city at the moment so we are really pleased for Krol Corlett to be involved.”
Overcoming Challenges
Delivering the project within a live operational train station presented significant logistical and safety challenges, requiring careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to passengers, staff, and rail services.
Restricted working hours, noise limitations, and the need to maintain safe access routes added complexity to construction activities.
As the station is a Grade II listed structure on the West Coast Main Line, all works had to comply with strict heritage and conservation requirements.
This necessitated sensitive restoration techniques, close collaboration with conservation authorities, and careful selection of materials to preserve the building’s historic character while delivering modern functionality.