A 42,500sq feet retail park which will be home to businesses including Costa Coffee has now been completed.

Developer Chancerygate has announced the practical completion of the Gateway 44 retail park development on Parkhouse Road, Carlisle.

The development, which is owned by Carlisle City Council, comprises seven leasehold units and is expected to create ‘significant new employment opportunities’ in the area.

Costa Coffee has taken 1,800sq ft for a drive through outlet, which is due to open this month, whilst Wren Kitchens will open a 15,000 sq ft showroom early next year.

Chancerygate acted as development manager on Gateway 44 for Carlisle City Council. The £5.6m build contract was undertaken by Caddick Construction.

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman said: “We are very pleased that Gateway 44 has been delivered on time and on budget by Chancerygate.

"The Costa Coffee and Wren Kitchens pre-lets are a testament to the high quality of retail space available and the excellent location of Gateway 44.

“The development is a real boost for the city and will provide significant new employment opportunities for people living in and around Carlisle.”

Gateway 44 sits on junction 44 of the M6 and the five remaining leasehold units at the development provide space from 1,200 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft.

It is located opposite Kingstown Retail Park, where current occupiers include Asda, Marks & Spencer, Currys PC World, B&M and Next.

Mike Walker, development director and head of Chancerygate’s Warrington office, said: “The completion of Gateway 44 is great news for Carlisle and provides a prime location for retailers looking to bolster their presence in the area.

“We’re seeing a strong level of interest across the remaining available units and hope to be in a position to announce further deals soon. Gateway 44 is now, in our opinion, the best retail park in the area, so we are looking forward to seeing the development serve Carlisle as a fantastic asset for years to come.”