New life is being breathed into part of a prominent Carlisle building that has stood empty for years.

A revival is planned for a section of the Atlas Works building on Nelson Street in Denton Holme after city businessman Dan Russell announced he is to buy a part that is no longer in use.

That section of the building - near the Denton Holme Conservative Club - used to be the setting for the Home Factory Bedding Shop.

It has been closed for a number of years.

Mr Russell, who owns a string of properties in the city, said: "That end of the building is derelict, shabby and run down.

"Nothing is happening there. I want to change that.

"It's a huge space in which to grow Atlas Works.

"It's four floors and it goes right back. It's quite a big addition.

"It's exciting times. I am eager to hear from people who think they could make use of that space."

Atlas Works, a once disused mill and factory, is now a thriving destination for small businesses and is a bustling village of cultural and commercial activity.

The building is home to a number of small businesses.

These include a beauty salon, school uniform shop, nursery, children's play centre, cafe, garage, dance schools, theatre schools, gyms, martial arts centre, sauna, band rehearsal space, music venue and bar, craft studio and other small enterprises.

Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus use Atlas Works as a studio and there is another space where bands can go and rehearse.

The Source hosts live music and bands.

Mr Russell said: "Whenever I go to The Source I think it's amazing. So many people don't realise what goes on there."

The businesses that use Atlas Works are planning to create a Facebook page where each of them can explain what they do, make posts and show off their products and produce.

Mr Russell said: "We want to be slightly more organised in the way we do things.

"Having a centralised Facebook page will help."