Carlisle City Council says a number of tenants have signed up to be part of a new retail park in the north of the city - before it is even built.

The council wants to transform an area of land at Kingstown, near Bristol Street Motors, into a retail park for bulky goods retailers.

It says it would create 83 jobs and represent a £6.5m investment in the city. It would be complete by December next year.

Thirty jobs would be created during the construction phase. Six stores and a drive-through restaurant could be built there, close to junction 44 of the M6, if plans - which have now been submitted - are passed.

The retailers would sell goods that you would need a car to transport home - items such as sofas, beds and furniture.

And it would be a place where you would drive to rather than walk to.

The 40,500sq ft warehouse would accommodate six stores and have parking for about 170 cars.

The issue will be discussed today at a meeting of the city council's executive.

The planning application states that the retail floorspace can only be used for DIY or garden goods, furniture and furnishings, kitchens, carpets, floor coverings and tiles, camping, boating and caravanning goods, motor vehicle and cycle goods and electrical goods.

A report to councillors says: "Legals are being finalised with a number of tenants resulting in the scheme being significantly pre-let prior to commencement of the build."

The council is working with its development partner Chancerygate on the new scheme.