Major budget fashion chain to close UK megastore - making way for £27m train revamp

A major retailer has announced that one of their megastores will be closed in just weeks to make space for a train station revamp. Matalan has urged shoppers to head to alternative branches, as its store at Station Business Park in Carlisle will close permanently on March 7.

The move is part of plans to demolish the retail park to make way for the Carlisle Station redevelopment plans. It has been reported that the store could be relocated; however, the retailer has not confirmed this yet.

A Matalan spokesperson told News & Star: "Our Carlisle store will close in March due to the planned development of the site.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community in Carlisle and are evaluating opportunities.

"Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We are working closely with all those affected and, where possible, exploring alternative positions."

A notice on the store's door confirms the March closure date to customers and directs them to the nearest alternative Matalan stores, including Dumfries and Workington.

The branch's site will be used for a brand new southern station entrance, a car park and a public square, named George Square.

The entire Carlisle Station Gateway project is £27 million, according to Cumberland Council, which is working in partnership with Network Rail and Avanti West Coast to deliver the project.

The Southern Gateway aims to reduce traffic congestion by locating all public car parking on the south side of the station and pedestrianising the Northern Gateway.

It will also provide space for coach services, rail replacement services, taxi ranks, and passenger drop-off and pick-ups.

Works have already started at the Southern Gateway, including new kerbs, paving and street furniture, with project leaders expecting it to finish in spring 2026.

Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: "This is brilliant news; it is like the final piece of the jigsaw in making Carlisle a better place for the future. We are very proud of Carlisle and all of Cumberland's communities.

"These improvements will make it easier for people to access the city, enjoy the fantastic facilities on offer, and attract visitors, which will boost our economy. It is all about creating better connectivity for residents and visitors alike."