'Rare' Victorian market sold to new owner

Carlisle's covered Victorian market has been sold to a new owner, who has pledged to bring the Grade II listed building back to life.

The Eden Centre has been bought by the Llandudno-based Bearmont Group.

CEO Rob Lloyd said the Eden Centre, which includes The Market Hall, a former Wilko store, a TK Maxx and a retail arcade, was "one of the few covered Victorian markets remaining in the UK".

As well as acknowledging the building needed "some TLC" and refurbishment, Mr Lloyd said he hoped to increase the number of tenants.

"The centre is approximately 40% vacant and we would hope that Bearmont will provide its magic touch to get the vacant space let within three-to-six months," he said.

The Eden Centre was previously owned by BAE Systems 2000 Pension Funds Trustees Limited.

A number of independent businesses trade from the market, including a greengrocer, a butcher, a flower shop and several cafes and food outlets.

While Bearmont Group is now the site's leaseholder it will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Mason Partners.

Cumberland Council said it was looking at ways to improve The Market Hall, including creating a communal seating area to complement its food offering.

An application has been submitted to gain "in-principal approval" for work that would affect its "historic fabric", the council said.

Labour's Barbara Cannon said the developments were "really positive news for Carlisle".

"The Market Hall presents a huge opportunity to create an exciting destination for residents and visitors that would contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Carlisle city centre," she said.

"It's been a much-loved part of the city's retail offer for generations and we're excited to see what the future holds."

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