Around 70 people attended a presentation about plans for the new community stadium in Workington.
Although the bulk of those attending were sports fans, the main message delivered was that the project was one for the whole community.
The multi-million-pound project would be a combined stadium for Workington Reds football team and rugby side Workington Town, plus offer community facilities.
After close on two hours, Dave Bowden, co-chairman of the newly-formed Cumberland Sports Village Ltd, expressed the view that it had been a highly encouraging response.
“We believe we have a realistic and pragmatic project and judging by the interest shown here, and the quality of the questions, we can go forward positively,” he said.
The presentation highlighted the hurdles that need to be cleared to enable the new stadium to be delivered by 2026.
The Cumberland Sports Village Ltd, which was set up last month to oversee the project, has former Reds chairman Mr Bowden and John Pleasants, Town chairman, appointed as co-chairmen.
They have been joined on the board by David Taylor and Dr Niamh Mulcahy, who bring their own special expertise to the project.
Mr Taylor CBE is one of the country’s leading exponents of urban regeneration who has worked extensively in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
He is also deputy chairman of Preston North End and was heavily involved in the refurbishment of the Deepdale stadium.
Dr Mulcahy is an economic sociologist specialising in political economy with a focus on finance-led economic growth.
There is room for further additions to the CSVL board.
The presentation ended with a pledge to continually update the public on developments, and a website is in the process of being created.
