FAQ’s

What is Cumberland Sports Village?
It will be a new shared stadium for Workington AFC, known as Workington Reds, and Workington Town RLFC. It will be 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.

Where will it be built?
The main pitch and facilities will be built at Borough Park in Workington, the current home of Workington Reds football club. In addition, a community pitch will be created on Lonsdale Park, the neighbouring site which was once a greyhound track.

How much will it cost?
The first phase will cost in the region of £6.4 million.

When will it be finished?
The first phase which includes the main stadium, community pitch and associated facilities will be completed by the end of 2025. Future phases of development on the site will be announced as funding and demand allows.

What will Cumberland Sports Village look like?
A planning application will be lodged early in 2023 which will show the final design. Watch this space!

Who’s paying for it?
Town Deal funding from the Government of £5.4 million has already been secured, along with £1 million from Allerdale Borough Council. When Cumberland Council takes over services in the area from 1 April 2023, the responsibility for the project will pass to this new local authority.

How will the Sports Village be funded in the future?
There will obviously be the usual income from ticket sales, hospitality, sponsorship and corporate activities, but more funding will always be needed. We’re talking to a range of local and national businesses and organisations about working together to generate the money needed to run the Sports Village as a successful and profitable community venture.

Will the Sports Village just be open on match days?
Definitely not. The aim is to turn the Sports Village into a true community facility that is busy and active seven days a week.

Who are the project’s partners?
Allerdale Borough Council, Workington AFC, known as Workington Reds, and Workington Town RLFC.

Who will be in charge of running the Sports Village?
A project management company, CSV Management Ltd, will be made up of carefully chosen national experts who will bring together the skills needed to set up and manage the planning process, tendering, finances and ongoing business interests of the Sports Village. Cumberland Sports Village Community Interest Company will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the stadium and its wider facilities.

How will sponsorship and advertising revenues be shared out?
That detail will be worked on as part of the overall business plan which can now be finalised since the release of funding . Both clubs will be very involved in this process. It is expected that there will be more revenue opportunities as a result of improved facilities.

Will Reds be able to stay at Borough Park when the new stadium work begins?
This option is under consideration but it is likely that whatever happens we will need to vacate Borough Park before the construction work is complete.

What will happen to the Reds lease?
The current lease expires in 2025.  In 2024 Reds can request a new lease. Even beyond 2026 the club is protected under The Landlord and Tenant Act. This means the club has a right to remain in occupation, and can apply to court for the grant of a new lease. So, the club is in a strong position

Will the club be left homeless if they had to leave Borough Park and the new stadium project does not go ahead?
Definitely not.  The club is protected by The Landlord and Tenant Act. There would have to be in place, long before the lease expires, a detailed funding plan with planning permission, and construction contracts in place. Indeed, construction would be well underway.

Will the Reds be given a new lease to move into the new stadium?
Yes. The lease will be with Cumberland Sports Village Community Interest Company, on which both clubs will be represented. 

Is this new stadium just a revamped Borough Park?
Situated on the Borough Park/Lonsdale Park site, and with over £6.4m currently invested in the stadium for phase 1, with additional funding for the community pitch, it is much more than a revamp. Until other stages are financed and completed it would make sense to retain some of the functionality of the site e.g., terracing.

Will Workington Town’s shareholders still own the club?
Yes. Nothing will change with respect to ownership of the club.

Are both clubs’ boards joining together?
No, it’s important both clubs retain their unique identities and governance. There will undoubtedly be opportunities to work together to share expertise and efficiencies that will benefit both clubs.