Detailed plans of the new Cumberland Sports Village in West Cumbria are set to go on public display this month.
The new complex, on the site of Workington Reds’ Borough Park, is expected to be completed and operational by July 2027.
he stadium is to be built in two stages with an initial 3,700 capacity increased to 5,000 when it is completed. It will include a 1,000 seater stand.
The official planning application will be made next month along with a submission for approval to demolish.
The selection process for the contractor involved will begin in September and planning approval is expected in December.
When the building contractor has been appointed before Christmas, Reds will then look to temporary move grounds in January next year.
Demolition of Borough Park would start in January and the construction work is expected to begin in March next year, due to be completed in May 2027.
The fit out will be completed in June and the stadium will be open for both clubs in July 2027.
As well as sport, the stadium would also act as a focal point for both the community and businesses within the area, Cumberland Council said and an improved hospitality offer means the stadium could also be used for meetings, conferences, functions, events and community activities.
People will be able to see the plans at the Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre on Workington’s Finkle Street on: Wednesday July 9 and Wednesday July 16, from 2pm to 7pm.
The plans will also be on display from Monday July 7 until Friday July 25 at the following locations, during their normal office hours and on match days:
- Workington Reds, Borough Park, Workington
- Workington Town, Derwent Park, Workington
- Workington Library
It is supported by the Government’s Town Deal, Cumberland Council and Football Foundation funding.
Dave Bowden, spokesman for Cumberland Sports Village, said: “We thank everyone involved in reaching this stage and look forward to making this vision a reality.
“The plans for the new site will soon go on show and we encourage anyone interested in knowing more about the development to make a visit to one our public engagement events.”
The delivery of the project is being led by CSV Ltd and is being supported by a wide range of experienced specialists including FWP, Curtins, PSA, Baker Mallet, Wardell Armstrong and Savills.
What will Cumberland Sports Village look like?
West Stand (Main Stand)
The existing stand will be demolished and replaced with a new main stand building which will provide greatly improved club facilities featuring:
- Spectator seating for up to 1,000 people, with a good provision of wheelchair viewing spaces.
- A large first floor function suite with lift access and a seating capacity of around 120.
- A series of executive boxes on the first floor, with floor to ceiling glass windows and dedicated terrace seats in a prime position.
- A sports bar and an external fan zone at ground level and internal concourse.
The main stand will also include:
- Administrative space for both clubs, a main reception, press/media suite and a match day control room.
- Four new changing room spaces for clubs, officials, and community groups alongside all the necessary supporting facilities such as WCs, medical room and laundry/kit facilities.
North Stand Terrace
The existing uncovered terracing will be demolished and replaced with an uncovered terrace for around 700 spectators. This will be located further north by around nine metres to allow for the expansion of the playing area and future development.
East Stand
The existing east stand (the Popular Side) will be demolished and replaced with a new covered spectator standing terrace to accommodate around 1,000 spectators. This will be positioned further to the east than the existing stand by 7m to allow for the expansion of the playing surface and expansion of the main stand.
South Stand
The existing south stand (the Town End) will be demolished and replaced with a new covered spectator standing terrace to accommodate around 1,000 spectators.
The pitch
The existing turf pitch will be replaced with a 3G pitch suitable for both football and rugby use.
A community pitch will be created on Allerdale House car park.
Impacted areas to all stands around the pitch will be made good and provided with suitable new run-off areas, pitch perimeter fencing and compliant access to meet all building and stadia guidance. New turnstiles and boundary fencing will be provided.
New floodlighting around the pitch will be configured as required in accordance with ground grading requirements.
External access and parking around the main building has been adjusted to suit to proposed layout with the existing highways layout largely being kept.
Following the public engagement, a planning application will be submitted at the end of this month.
Cumberland Sports Village Ltd is developing the stadium project and will manage the ongoing operation of the completed facility. The day-to-day development management is being undertaken by Cumberland Sports Village Management Ltd.
The community pitch will be undertaken by the Football Foundation.
