Workington Cumberland Sports Village stadium is approved

The Cumberland Sports Village project in Workington, designed to benefit the community and boost sporting facilities, will serve as a new home for both Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC.

In the planning submission, it was described as a "high quality, inclusive and accessible venue for the football and rugby clubs."

Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "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."

Planning approval marks a major step forward for the scheme, which has secured an additional £4.5 million from the Cumbria Combined Authority.

This funding will allow for the replacement of all existing terraces and increase the stadium's total capacity to 5,000.

The UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council, and the Football Foundation back the project.

It will be delivered and managed by Cumberland Council, with a design team now refining the plans and updating the construction timeline.

A new community pitch, which will be undertaken by the Football Foundation, is also in development.

Workington Town RLFC and Workington AFC, known as the Workington Reds, remain closely involved in the project.

The new facilities are intended to serve not only as a sporting hub but as a valuable asset for community and business use.