WORKINGTON TOWN’S new stadium has been given the thumbs up by councillors, with a timetable for construction and opening now being drawn up.
The Championship club will share the £17.8 million, 5,000-capacity Cumberland Sports Village with their non-league footballing neighbours Workington AFC.
Backed by money from the Government’s Towns Fund, Cumbria Combined Authority and the Football Foundation, it will be built on the site of the football team’s current ground Borough Park, which dates back to 1937.
That’s where Town played for the first eleven years of their existence before in 1956 creating their own nearby home Derwent Park, now known as the Fibrus Community Stadium and which will be used by both sides until the new facility is ready. After that, it is expected it will be demolished.
Initial plans were for a 3,700-capacity venue – a mixture of seats and standing – but in April the recently-formed Cumbria Combined Authority announced an additional £4.5 million of backing to deliver a larger stadium with an expanded main stand.
Cumberland Council, who along with Westmorland and Furness Council comprise the combined authority, have spearheaded the project, which will include an artificial pitch and community facilities.
And it was their planning committee who approved the application from Cumberland Sports Village Ltd, a not-for-profit company established by the council and the two clubs in 2023 to develop and operate the venue.
Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer said: “The project presents a fantastic opportunity to create a modern, fit-for-purpose stadium facility for both Workington AFC and Workington Town.
“As well as sport, the stadium will 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.”