An outgoing tourism chief has called for multi million pound redevelopment plans for Carlisle that could see a new theatre, conference and hotel centre created.

The city needs to improve its tourism appeal according to Ian Stephens, and his thoughts were backed by Graham Haywood, director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mr Stephens stunned the industry last week when he announced his resignation as managing director of Cumbria Tourism.

He will stand down in March next year.

He stressed the county has much to offer outside of the Lake District and added: “There are lots of little venues in Carlisle but there is a need for a big venue, something for 900 delegates and accommodation and a theatre alongside that.

"Maybe the old courts in the Citadel could be developed into that.”

The LEP has commissioned a tourism growth plan and Mr Haywood believes Carlisle has “significant potential”.

“We have put forward proposals for the Citadel and the area around the train station,” said Mr Haywood. “We’re not talking about Manchester arena-sized plans but a sensible-sized conference centre backed up by more hotel accommodation.

“The fact that the Citadel is going to be empty in the next few months will create the opportunity to press on with something.”

The redevelopment forms part of the LEP’s £165 million economic Growth Plan for the county.

Mr Haywood added that the city centre scheme could involve the derelict Central Plaza Hotel.