Carlisle Rugby Club say that “positive progress is being made” in the redesign of their premises.
A working group at the club recently invited expressions of interest from several local architects which resulted in a number of the companies submitting outline plans.
They were proposals for the redesign and upgrade of the present building footprint but a premium new build on the site of the grandstand was ruled out on the grounds of cost.
Club secretary David Morton said: “At a recent board meeting it was agreed to invite the Unwin Jones Partnership to draw up details plans, after which there will be a consultation exercise with members and staff.
“Thereafter, planning permission will be sought and could take up to thirteen weeks, followed by a tendering process with contractors, when more precise costings will be available.
“The appointment of a chosen contractor in itself could be a protracted matter because of the heavy local demand for building services.
“It is unwise at this time to make any promises or guesses as to when work will commence and be completed.”
Formed in 1873 they made Warwick Road their permanent home 22 years later, and the grandstand was built in 1923.
The clubhouse and changing rooms were upgraded in the 1950s and further improvements were made in 1971, with floodlights erected three years later.
More recently the club suffered substantial flood damage which left them having to play home matches at Wigton.
