Defence Online

A new hotel building is set to rise on the site of Carlisle’s old Lonsdale Cinema.Plans for a five storey structure beside The Halston Aparthotel on Warwick Road and linked to the existing building, have been approved by Carlisle City Council.Owner Simon Harrison was delighted with the news and expects work to start in spring next year.The new building will host 19 apartments, a restaurant and a top-floor balcony.It will be built on the site of the old Lonsdale Cinema, which closed in 2006, and this has influenced the design of the structure.The format for its geometry and massing as well as its lighting and evening backdrop has all been taken into account by architects Black Box, based in Currock Road, Currock, Carlisle.Another key feature is the glass bridge, which links both buildings across Bartons Lane, which is council-owned. This connects the bedrooms, which begin at the first floor.The building’s check-in, lift access and staircase will all be located at the main entrance of the new building, which will also feature vertical glass corner and floor lobbies, which will be fully illuminated.The documents warn though that the work to construct the building “is going to be disruptive” but pointed out that most of the steel framing and dry cladding which will be used is going to be fabricated off site then delivered and erected with the aim of causing “minimal impact to The Halston and traffic generally”.Mr Harrison said he was working with a team to plan for the building’s construction and he was confident this would be underway next spring.The Halston first opened its doors in 2014 and has become one of the city’s most popular venues. A separate planning application for the neighbouring building, which is the former home of Lloyds Pharmacy, has also been submitted.Mr Harrison bought the site earlier year and the proposals would see the installation of a new bronze-framed shopfront and its use changed from a shop to a drinking establishment.He added that this will be leased out and is set to go on the market later this month.