Work Begins On Next Phase Of Cumberland Sports Village In Workington
Enabling work has begun at Borough Park in Workington as preparations continue for the main construction phase of Cumberland Sports Village.
Cumberland Council has confirmed that the initial work will prepare the West Cumbrian site for the development of a new sports facility intended to serve two of the area's established sporting clubs. The project represents a significant investment in Workington's sporting infrastructure, with plans focused on creating modern facilities that can support local teams, attract spectators and contribute to the wider community.
Story Contracting has been appointed to carry out the enabling works, which are expected to take approximately three months to complete. This stage is designed to prepare the site before the main construction phase can begin, with several essential tasks required to make the area ready for the planned development. The initial activity marks a further step towards delivering the proposed sports village.
The work includes installing site security, establishing a construction compound, removing asbestos and diverting utility services where necessary. These activities form part of the preparations required before major building work can progress. Establishing a secure working area and addressing existing site conditions will help contractors prepare Borough Park for the next stage of the project.
Once completed, Cumberland Sports Village is expected to provide a shared stadium for Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC. The proposed arrangement will bring the football and rugby league clubs together at a modern sporting venue, creating a facility intended to accommodate both organisations. The development is expected to play an important role in supporting the clubs and strengthening the area's sporting infrastructure.
A reserved matters planning application has recently been submitted for the proposed stadium, which is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The application represents a further planning milestone as the project moves towards its main construction phase. The planned capacity indicates the scale of the venue being proposed, although the enabling works currently underway are focused on preparing the site rather than completing the stadium itself.
The sports village is being supported through several funding and partnership arrangements, including the Government's Town Deal, Cumberland Council, Cumbria Combined Authority and the Football Foundation. The involvement of these organisations reflects the project's wider significance for local development and sports provision. Their support forms part of the backing behind plans to deliver new facilities for the Workington community.
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said the progress was encouraging and welcomed the start of the enabling works. He described the latest development as an important step in preparing Borough Park for the main construction phase. His comments highlighted the significance of moving the project forward after the planning and preparatory work required to reach this stage.
Councillor Fryer also said the sports village represented a major investment in Workington. He explained that the proposed development would deliver modern facilities to support local clubs and communities, while contributing to the area's long-term ambitions. The council's position emphasises the intended role of the project as both a sporting venue and an investment in the town's future.
For Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC, the shared stadium would provide a common home within a purpose-built sporting development. Bringing the two clubs together at one venue is a central feature of the plans, with the stadium intended to accommodate crowds of up to 5,000 people. The development would establish a dedicated facility for the clubs while contributing to the town's wider sporting offer.
The project also forms part of the wider effort to invest in Workington and strengthen facilities available to local residents. Modern sporting venues can provide a base for clubs and organised sporting activity, while offering communities a place to gather around local teams. The council has identified support for local clubs and communities as a key objective of the Cumberland Sports Village development.
The current phase remains focused on enabling work, with Story Contracting undertaking the tasks needed to prepare Borough Park for construction. The anticipated three-month period covers the initial site preparations, including security arrangements, asbestos removal, the construction compound and utility diversions. Progress through this stage will be an important part of moving the project towards its planned main building phase.
With enabling work now underway and a reserved matters planning application submitted for the stadium, Cumberland Sports Village has reached another stage in its development. The proposed venue is intended to provide long-term facilities for Workington's football and rugby league clubs while supporting the council's ambitions for the area. Further progress will depend on the completion of site preparations and the subsequent construction stages.
For further local news, community updates and story tips, contact news@lakelandpost.co.uk or 01768 862313.