Carlisle is a great place, we intend to make it even greater.
We have been a great Roman city, a great Norman city, together we can make Carlisle a great contemporary city.
The time is now, building on the ambition of the University, the prospect of the Garden Village, the new southern link road, the city centre developments and so much more in the great businesses that are here in Carlisle.
The Great Border City initiative was established as a broad-based consortium of businesses, community organisations and civic stakeholders under a shared commitment to make Carlisle a premier place to visit, work and live.
By leveraging Carlisle’s unique position as a historic border city, the ambition is to celebrate the area’s rich cultural history while driving forward-looking economic growth.
One of our supporters, Tom Piatak, Chairman of Carlisle United, puts the vision for the future so well in his supporting video:
Through collaboration, the consortium aims to enhance the city’s appeal for new businesses, to attract and build our workforce, to attract more visitors from across the region and beyond, and to broaden its appeal to residents.
The Carlisle BID will create a city that is energised, entrepreneurial, and people-focused.
This vision will be realised by:
✪ Animating the Streets: Bringing life to the city with year-round festivals, food offers, sports offers, business offers and creative initiatives that engage locals and attract visitors.
✪ Supporting Business Growth: Working with other agencies to help provide businesses with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in a competitive environment.
✪ Creating a Great Place to Live and Work: Making Carlisle an even better place to live, work, and recruit talent. A vibrant city will attract workers, stimulate business, and drive long-term economic growth.
Through a collaborative, consultative approach, the BID will ensure businesses are at the heart of decision making, and their voices will be integral in shaping the city’s future development.
On 28th November 2025 Carlisle voted in a Business Improvement District for the city. The BID will commence in 2026 for a 5 year term.
FAQs on how a BID works are available HERE.
Read our manifesto HERE.
“It won’t take much to tip Carlisle into something really special … I think a BID for Carlisle can help us all understand each other better, for the good of the city”
Anna Smalley, Tullie
The Great Border City 