Exciting times are ahead as a top retailer announces its opening in Carlisle.

Wren Kitchens is thrilled to have opened its 106th showroom in a brand-new Carlisle retail park, Gateway 44.

The inspirational 15,000 sq ft showroom is set in a prime location at the heart of the M6 motorway, and the new opening has created 20 new jobs for the area, including kitchen designers, managers and home surveyors.

It has 57 full-sized kitchen displays including modern, traditional and industrial designs, as well as dedicated office displays which showcase how working from home arrangements can be seamlessly integrated into any kitchen space.

For the first time ever, the retailer has launched its brand-new fully digital LED signage which is on the front of the showroom.

Mark Whitely, Wren Kitchens Carlisle showroom manager, said: “We’re really excited to bring something new to the Carlisle community, as we offer an inspirational kitchen design service from start-to-finish, including our award-winning 3D design software and virtual reality headsets, to see dream kitchens come to life.

“Our showroom looks outstanding after months of transforming it to the highest standards, and we look forward to welcoming our first customers through the doors and seeing their reactions as they walk in!”

The Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Marilyn Bowman, cut the ribbon to officially open the showroom to the community, and Wren Kitchens donated £500 to the Mayor’s Charity Funds, whose main beneficiaries are Eden Valley Jigsaw Hospice, Cash for Kids and Guide Dogs.

“It’s fantastic to see well-known businesses such as Wren Kitchens having the confidence to come and invest in our city,” Coun Bowman said.

“The retail park is set in a prime location, and I’ve watched it develop over the years from putting the first spade in the ground, to today, where it’s coming to life with substantial new investments.

“My experience of the new showroom was like no other, with the exciting VR technology and vast range of displays to suit all budgets from terraced houses to mansions.”

The store boasts a virtual reality studio, where customers can explore a full-sized model of their kitchen in 3D, allowing them to walk around, interact with appliances and open and close drawers and storage solutions.

Customers can explore a host of bespoke items and clever storage solutions such as dedicated wine storage, magic corners, pull-out storage towers, walk-in pantries and spice racks, perfect for the smallest of spaces or to create a chef’s haven.

There is also an interactive appliance centre which lets customers get hands on with different appliance features and technology, such as self-cleaning ovens, voice-controlled lighting and hobs with built-in extraction.

There are 12 open plan design suites where customers can work with their designer and bring their dream kitchen to life in comfortable surroundings whilst viewing both 3D and 2D images of their kitchen on a 55” screen. There are also relaxed design pods, a new feature to Wren, where designers can quickly run through any details with the customer.

Wren offers complete kitchens including worktops and appliances from as little as £2,500, but also designs kitchens for some of the UK’s biggest celebrities – so they really do have a dream kitchen for everyone!