Safety controls as Carlisle landmark repairs begin

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-13 19:25 3 min read

Large historic white building encased in exterior scaffolding during restoration works.

By Demoduck Local News | 13 August 2026

Work to repair cracks, damaged bricks and worn stonework at Carlisle’s Dixon’s Chimney is due to begin on Monday 17 August, with strict site safety measures planned for the 270ft historic landmark.

Cumberland Council says the programme is intended to keep the Grade II listed structure safe and compliant. The chimney stands off Junction Street, where it remains one of the city’s most recognisable industrial landmarks and a visible link to the former Shaddon Mill.

Brickwork and stone repairs start on 17 August

Rafferty Specialist Access Services will carry out the specialist repairs for Cumberland Council. Day Cummins Ltd has been appointed principal designer for the project.

The work will include repairing cracks in the brickwork, replacing de-laminated quoin stones, repointing sections of stonework and replacing bricks that are damaged or missing. Quoin stones are the larger stones used at building corners, where deterioration can affect both the appearance and condition of historic masonry.

Safety controls as Carlisle landmark repairs begin

This is a repair and preservation programme rather than a single cosmetic clean-up. The listed chimney’s height and exposed masonry mean the works are expected to continue over an extended period, with the completion date dependent on weather conditions.

Date or phase	Confirmed detail
Week commencing 17 August 2026	Cumberland Council says the repair programme is due to start
Monday 17 August 2026	Main repair works are due to begin
Spring 2027	Expected completion, subject to weather conditions

What is confirmed near Junction Street

The council says strict safety measures will be in place to protect workers and members of the public while specialist access work is under way at the site.

Its announcement does not set out specific road closures, pedestrian diversions or changes to access near Junction Street. That means there is currently no confirmed wider traffic or walking-route information to publish alongside the start date. People passing the landmark should expect an active repair site as the project begins, but the council has not announced further local arrangements.

The safety focus reflects the scale of the structure: Dixon’s Chimney is around 270ft tall. Repairs to cracks, failing bricks and sections of stonework are intended to address the condition of the landmark while maintaining a safe and compliant structure.

A surviving link to Shaddon Mill’s industrial past

Built in 1863 as the chimney for the adjoining Shaddon Mill, Dixon’s Chimney is a Grade II listed building. It was restored in 1999 with funding from Heritage England, the Lottery Fund and Carlisle City Council.

Billy Webster, Cumberland Council’s Chief Innovation and Commercial Officer, said the chimney is a key Carlisle landmark and an important historical asset. He said the council’s investment in the repairs is intended to help ensure it remains safe in the future.

Cumberland Council News has confirmed the next milestone as the start of the main works on 17 August; the project is currently expected to finish in spring 2027, subject to weather conditions.

Source: Cumberland Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This report uses Cumberland Council’s published project details and separates confirmed repair plans from information not yet specified.

Checks

Confirmed the main works start date of Monday 17 August 2026.
Checked the listed repair scope: brick cracks, quoin stones, repointing and replacement br...
Confirmed the expected spring 2027 finish remains subject to weather conditions.
Noted that the council notice does not specify road closures or pedestrian diversions.

Cumberland Council News Check independent coverage