Planning Permission Granted for FWP Designed Cumberland Sports Village

Plans for the £17.8 million Cumberland Sports Village have been granted planning permission, clearing the way for the development of a new community stadium that will serve both football and rugby league in Workington.

The project, designed by FWP, will provide a modern shared home for Workington AFC and Workington RLC, while also creating a multi-purpose venue for community use, business events, conferences and social functions.

The planning approval marks a significant milestone for the development and follows confirmation that an additional £4.5 million in funding has been secured from the Cumbria Combined Authority. The extra investment will allow the scheme to be expanded, replacing all terracing and increasing the stadium’s capacity to 5,000 spectators.

The project has also received support from the UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council and the Football Foundation.

Under the plans, Borough Park, the current home of Workington AFC, will be redeveloped to accommodate both clubs as part of the wider Cumberland Sports Village vision.

FWP has extensive experience in sports venue development, having delivered projects for clubs including Preston North End, Fleetwood Town and Peterborough United. The architectural practice has established a reputation for designing sustainable, community-focused sports facilities across the UK.

Working alongside Cumberland Sports Village Management, Workington AFC, Workington RLC, Cumberland Council and local stakeholders, FWP has developed a comprehensive strategy to enhance the existing sports village site near the River Derwent.

A design team is now refining the approved scheme, with updated construction timelines and plans for a new community pitch currently being prepared.

Neil Ainsworth said the development has been designed to create a high-quality, inclusive and accessible venue for both clubs and the wider community. He added that enhanced hospitality facilities will allow the stadium to host a range of events beyond sport, including meetings, conferences and community activities.

Ainsworth also highlighted FWP’s commitment to environmentally responsible design, stating that the stadium will incorporate sustainable technologies, renewable materials and energy-efficient solutions to reduce resource consumption and support long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability.

The project forms part of FWP’s wider portfolio of sports developments, which includes work for clubs such as AFC Fylde, FC United of Manchester, Leamington FC and Hastings United.

Among its notable achievements is the delivery of Mill Farm Sports Village, a multi-million-pound sports, leisure and commercial development that includes a 6,000-capacity stadium for AFC Fylde.

With planning approval now secured, the Cumberland Sports Village project moves a step closer to delivering a modern, sustainable sporting hub designed to benefit clubs, supporters and the wider Workington community for years to come.

To find out more about FWP visit www.­fwpgroup.­co.­uk