2-854-180 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

A view looking north-east over the Market Place in Carlisle towards the construction site of The Lanes Shopping Centre, showing Laing cranes against the skyline. The contract for The Lanes Shopping Centre was awarded to John Laing Construction, Northern Division in October 1982 taking approximately two years to build. The H type configuration of the complex was built in reinforced concrete frames on pile caps and ground beams, with a large basement area at the lower end of the site. The complex included four major stores, 50 smaller shopping units, a three-level county library, 27 housing units, offices and a multi-storey car park. The shopping centre was officially opened on 19th November 1984.