Story Homes and Gleeson contributions fund new paths at Carlisle open space

Cumberland Council has completed new walking, wheeling and cycling routes at California Road Public Open Space in Carlisle, funded by developer contributions linked to nearby housing developments by Story Homes and Gleeson Homes.

The council said on 3 November that the paths connect Greymoor Way with California Road and California Lane, giving people a more direct route between their homes, James Rennie School, local shops and bus stops.

The work is the first phase of improvements to the open space, according to the council, with further enhancements planned for the area.

Cllr Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places at Cumberland Council, said: "I'd like to thank Story Homes and Gleeson Homes for their contributions, which have helped make these improvements possible for the local community."

The school

James Rennie School is on California Road in Kingstown, Carlisle, according to the Department for Education's Get Information about Schools service, which lists it as an academy special converter for pupils aged 3 to 19.

Sophie Dowling, Deputy Headteacher at James Rennie School, said the new links would give pupils, families and staff safer and more accessible routes to the school.

She added: "Future additions such as football goals, tree planting and a wildlife area will create further opportunities for outdoor learning, physical activity and environmental education".

The developers

The council release does not name the specific developments whose contributions paid for the paths.

Gleeson Homes is building Harker Place, a development of three and four bedroom houses in Harker, Carlisle, which the company says is about four miles from the city centre. Gleeson announced on 19 February 2026 that it is delivering 42 homes at Harker Place with Castles & Coasts Housing Association, as part of a wider scheme of 186 homes.

Gleeson said delivery of those homes is forecast in 2026 and 2027, with full completion of the site expected by the end of 2029.

Jo Morrison, Regional Managing Director at Gleeson Homes, said the company was pleased to have supported the project and that the paths would create safer and more accessible routes for local people.

Jennie Taylor, Development Co-ordinator at Story Homes, said the improvements would give residents better connections and encourage walking and cycling.

The council

Cumberland Council replaced Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council, according to the council's own page on the changes, and provides services to people living in Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland.

Cllr Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council, said the council was looking forward to seeing the space continue to develop as further enhancements are brought forward.

The council has not given a cost for the paths, the contractor that built them or a date for the next phase of work at the open space.