Plans to create a new sports village in West Cumbria have taken a step forward.
The new complex, on the site of Workington Reds’ Borough Park, is expected to be completed and operational by July 2027.
The 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 team behind the proposal has submitted a screening opinion to Cumberland Council.
A screening opinion is a formal request to a planning authority to determine if a proposed development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. This assessment evaluates the potential significant effects of a development on the environment. The opinion helps developers understand if an assessment would be needed before submitting a full planning application.
The selection process for the contractor involved will begin next month and it is hoped a decision on the scheme will be made by December.
When the building contractor has been appointed before Christmas, Reds will then look to temporary move grounds in January next year.
If planning permission is granted, 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.
People have had an opportunity to look at the plans at several drop-in events in Workington over the last month.
Cumberland Sports Village project is funded via the Government’s Town Deal, Cumberland Council, and the Football Foundation.
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.
Cumberland Sports Village will oversee the ongoing operation of the facility, while day-to-day development management is being handled by Cumberland Sports Village Management.
The community pitch element will be delivered by the Football Foundation.
People are encouraged to provide feedback on the plans by visiting www.cumberlandsportsvillage.org.uk
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.
