[1] After amalgamation with Westmorland County Council in 1974,[2] Cumbria County Council continued to use these facilities as well as a series of Victorian houses on Portland Square, Brunswick Street and Alfred Street North in Carlisle[3] together with Lonsdale House in Lower Gaol Yard in Carlisle.

[4] In the early 21st century, as a cost-saving measure, council leaders decided to co-locate all council activities in a single building:[5] the site they selected had been occupied by a former retail unit which had been converted for residential use (107-109 Botchergate) and a medical treatment centre (113-117 Botchergate).

[6][7][8] The new building, which was designed by architects, AHR, and built by Eric Wright Construction, was completed in December 2016.

[11][12] The footprint of the building, with the left hand section set back, was designed to create a forecourt in which people could safely protest without being at risk from road traffic.

[11] The new offices were built to accommodate some 700 staff and to act as a catalyst for urban regeneration in the Botchergate area.