Story Contracting Ltd has been appointed to deliver the enabling works for Cumberland Sports Village in Workington, marking another important step forward in the delivery of the project.
The enabling works will begin later this month and are expected to take around three months to complete. The works will prepare the site for the main development and include the installation of site security measures, temporary fencing, the creation of a construction compound and laydown area, asbestos removal, utility diversions and disconnections, and the removal of existing infrastructure and equipment.
This phase of work will also involve the safe removal of pitch-side posts, turnstiles, floodlighting columns and associated infrastructure, as well as existing seating and dugouts.
Cumberland Sports Village is being developed at the existing Borough Park Stadium in Workington, home to Workington AFC. The redevelopment will largely make use of the current stadium footprint, while additional community sports facilities will be delivered on the neighbouring Lonsdale Park site, formerly used as a greyhound track.
The new stadium will be shared by Workington Town RLFC and Workington AFC, known as Workington Reds, with both clubs continuing to play an active role in the development of the project.
The project has continued to make significant progress in recent months. A reserved matters planning application has now been submitted for the stadium to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.
These enabling works form an important part of preparations for the next phase of the project. Procurement is now underway to appoint a main contractor ahead of the construction phase, which is scheduled to commence in January 2027.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
"Cumberland Sports Village is one of the most significant investments in sports and community infrastructure in our area. It will create a modern, shared home for Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC, while also delivering wider opportunities for people of all ages to take part in sport and physical activity.
“The project continues to make good progress, and the appointment of a contractor for the enabling works is another important milestone as we move closer to delivering a development that will benefit the community for years to come."
Andy Clode, Managing Director of Story Contracting’s Construction Division said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Cumberland Council on a project that is so important to Workington and the wider area. We are looking forward to getting started on this initial phase of the scheme and delivering community initiatives alongside the work.”
Residents can visit the project website to view updated CGI visualisations, access the latest project updates and follow key milestones as the development progresses: www.cumberland.gov.uk/CumberlandSportsVillage
Cumberland Sports Village is supported by the UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council, Cumbria Combined Authority and the Football Foundation. The revised scheme will be project managed and delivered by Cumberland Council.