Workington's historic Borough Park, where legendary manager Bill Shankly once worked, is set to be demolished and replaced by a new £16 million multi-purpose stadium. The 89-year-old ground will make way for the Cumberland Sports Village, which will become the home of both Workington AFC and the town's rugby league side.
The new stadium, initially planned to cost £12 million and hold 3,700 spectators, has had its capacity increased to 5,000 after receiving an additional £4.5 million in funding. It will feature a sports bar, external fan zone, media suite, and four new changing rooms.
Labour-led Cumberland Council is managing the project. Council leader Mark Fryer said: 'The Cumberland Sports Village 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.'
During construction, Workington will play their home matches at neighbouring rugby ground Derwent Park. The club played its last game at Borough Park in April, drawing a crowd of 2,387 for an emotional farewell featuring club legends.
Bill Shankly managed Workington between January 1954 and November 1955 before moving on to Huddersfield Town and later Liverpool. Club historian Steve Durham recalled: 'He was an inspirational leader but always treated people as equals and his motivational methods always got the best response from players.'
