Cumberland Council has granted approval for the removal of outdated wall-mounted lighting on Devonshire Street, with plans to replace the existing LED lamps with sleek, modern architectural lighting that will enhance the street’s visual appeal.

The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve the area's public realm and create a more vibrant environment for both residents and visitors.

The six existing wall-mounted lights, three on each side of Devonshire Street, along with their associated cabling and junction boxes, will be replaced by state-of-the-art external LED lighting bars. These new lights are designed to highlight architectural features such as moulding, archways, and windows on the upper floors of buildings, up to two storeys high. The lighting upgrade will add a striking new dimension to the street’s appearance.


The £2,290,000 project is funded by the UK Government's Future High Street Fund (£2,040,000 via Carlisle Future High Street) and United Utilities Green Recovery Funding (£250,000). This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalise Devonshire Street and bring long-term benefits to the local community and businesses.

In addition to the lighting installation, previous upgrades funded by the same sources have already brought several improvements to the street, including wider pavements for better accessibility, new seating and greenery for a more welcoming atmosphere, cycle racks to promote sustainable transport, a streamlined single-lane carriageway to improve traffic flow, and designated loading bays to support local businesses.

Work to install the new lighting system is scheduled to take place overnight from Sunday, 2 March, for one week, between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am. During these hours, Devonshire Street will be closed to vehicles, though it will reopen by 5:00 am each day. A full diversion route will be in place to ensure minimal disruption.