A project to build a ‘top-class stadium’ in West Cumbria has taken a significant step forward as new plans have been revealed for the Cumberland Sports Village.

Supported by the UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council and the Football Foundation, the Workington based Cumberland Sports Village presents an opportunity to create a modern, fit-for-purpose stadium facility for both Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “We remain fully committed to supporting Cumberland Sports Village Ltd in delivering the Sports Village project.

“I have been fighting for West Cumbria to have a top-class stadium for many years and it is fantastic that we now have some revised detailed designs for a venue which will cement our status as major players on the sporting map.”

The stadium will be built on the current home of Workington AFC with Borough Park being demolished to make way for the new Sports Village.

A spokesperson from Workington AFC said: “Workington AFC is proud to share the exciting plans for a new community stadium – an ambitious and important step forward for the club’s future.

“We thank our supporters and stakeholders for their patience throughout this process. 

“The proposed development will provide a modern, high-quality facility to support first-team performance, youth development, and the ongoing delivery of our club’s community programmes across West Cumbria.

“It also presents valuable commercial opportunities to help secure long-term sustainability.

“The Board of Workington AFC looks forward to help make these plans a reality for our club and community.”

The new stadium would also become the home of Workington Town Rugby League with a spokesperson from the club adding: “The Workington Town RLFC board fully supports the proposed designs for a new stadium and community facility.

“This development marks a significant step forward for both the club and the wider area, offering modern infrastructure to support rugby league, local sport, and community events.

“We believe that the project will inspire future generations to want to watch and play sport in this facility.

“We feel that the project is of the right scale, with a sensible and realistic approach, and will provide lasting benefits for Workington and West Cumbria.

“We’re excited to play our part in this ambitious and transformative project.”

As well as sport, the stadium would also act as a focal point for both the community and businesses within the area. An improved hospitality offer means the stadium could also be used for meetings, conferences, functions, events and community activities. 

Dave Bowden, spokesman for Cumberland Sports Village, said: “We’re pleased to be part of such positive progress on the Cumberland Sports Village project.

“It’s a project built on partnership and shared vision and we’re excited by the potential it holds to create lasting benefits for Workington AFC, Workington Town RLFC, and the whole community.

“We thank everyone involved in reaching this stage and look forward to continue working hard to make this vision a reality.”

The delivery of the project is being led by Cumberland Sports Village Ltd and is being supported by a wide range of experienced specialists including FWP, Curtins, PSA, Baker Mallet, Wardell Armstrong and Savills.

Following the public engagement, a planning application will be submitted at the end of July 2025.

Subject to planning approval, the aim is to start construction work in early 2026 and for the project to be completed by late summer 2027.

The 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.

The stand will provide spectator seating for up to 1,000 people, with a good provision of wheelchair viewing spaces.

There will be a large first floor function suite with lift access and a seating capacity of about 120, a sports bar and an external fan zone at ground level and internal concourse.

Along with a series of executive boxes on the first floor. These areas, with floor to ceiling glass windows, will have dedicated terrace seats in a prime position offering excellent views of the pitch.

The main stand will also include administrative space for both clubs, a main reception, press/media suite and a match day control room. 

It will also be home 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.

The North Stand Terrace

The existing uncovered terracing will be demolished and replaced with an uncovered terrace for approximately 700 spectators.

This will be located further north by about nine metres to allow for the expansion of the playing area and future development.

The East Stand

The existing east stand, the popular side, will be demolished and replaced with a new covered spectator standing terrace to accommodate approximately 1000 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.

The South Stand

The existing south stand, the Town End, will be demolished and replaced with a new covered spectator standing terrace to accommodate approximately 1000 spectators.

The existing turf pitch will be replaced with a 3G pitch suitable for both Football and Rugby use.

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 as required.

On completion the initial development will have a total capacity of 3,700; 2700 standing and 1000 seated spectators.

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 retained.

The build of the Community pitch will be undertaken by the Football Foundation and when complete the operation of all the facilities will be undertaken by CSVL.

Public engagement events are planned and will be announced soon.

Comments on the plans can be made at the Cumberland Sports Village website.