Another important milestone has been met for the Cumberland Sports Village with the submission of a planning application for the development.
Within the planning submission, it says that the development will “..create a high quality, inclusive and accessible venue for the football and rugby clubs and benefit the wider community with the addition of new sporting facilities for all to enjoy.”
Supported by UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council and Football Foundation funding, the Cumberland Sports Village (CSV) project presents a fantastic opportunity to create a modern, fit-for-purpose stadium facility for both Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC.
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:
“Following our recent public engagement in which the plans were received positively, we have now reached another important stage of the development with the submission of the planning application. This sets out what’s planned and how it’ll be delivered.”
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.
The project consists of:
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 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 c.120.
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.
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.
The North Stand Terrace
The existing uncovered terracing will be demolished and replaced with an uncovered terrace for approx. 700 spectators. This will be located further north by approx. 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 approx. 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 approx. 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.
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.
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.