Workington, Cumbria – PSA, a leading building services engineering consultancy, has been appointed to deliver comprehensive mechanical and electrical design for the impressive £10.6 million Cumberland Sports Village project. The project will unite Workington AFC (Reds) and Workington Town RLFC under one roof for the first time.
The innovative development, funded by UK Government, Cumberland Council and the Football Foundation, will see the demolition of two separate stadiums to create a purpose-built facility designed for both football and rugby.
PSA will work alongside a full project team including architects FWP, Curtins, Wardel Armstrong, Savills, Baker Mallet and DRP Archaeology. PSA has been appointed to deliver building services design covering all aspects of the facility, from pitch lighting and power distribution to hospitality suites and safety systems. The company’s role will ensure the venue meets modern standards for both spectator comfort and operational efficiency.
“This project represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we’re passionate about supporting,” said Joel Collins, Principal Building Services Engineer at PSA. “By bringing two clubs together in one sustainable facility, we’re not just creating a bigger stadium – we’re creating a smarter one that will serve the Workington community for decades to come.”
Sustainability Prioritised
The development prioritises sustainability throughout, with PSA designing electric heat pump systems, VRF heating and cooling with heat recovery ventilation, and energy-efficient LED lighting with smart controls. The integrated approach will enable maintenance teams to manage one facility instead of two, reducing long-term operational costs.
Working closely with Cumberland Council, Workington AFC, and Workington Town RLFC, PSA’s technical designs will include comprehensive lighting for stands, pitch, and hospitality areas, complete power distribution systems, integrated CCTV and security networks, and sustainable temperature control systems.
Partnership
The Cumberland Sports Village represents a novel partnership between the three organisations for which a management company has been set up to represent its best interests.
The organisation is tasked with creating a high-quality, inclusive, and accessible venue that will benefit the wider community with new sporting facilities for all to enjoy. The redevelopment of the existing footprint of Borough Park aims to provide a modern stadium that meets the aspirations of both clubs whilst establishing a hub of sporting excellence for the community.
The facility will challenge the status quo of traditional stadium development by demonstrating how shared resources can deliver better value whilst strengthening local sport.
Next steps
Following the public engagement, a planning application will be submitted at the end of July 2025. Subject to planning approval, the aim is to start construction work in early 2026 and for the project to be completed by late summer 2027.
Cumberland Sports Village Ltd is developing the stadium project and will manage the ongoing operation of the completed facility. The day-to-day development management is being undertaken by Cumberland Sports Village Management Ltd.
The project reflects PSA’s commitment to delivering practical, efficient solutions that enhance building performance whilst being straightforward to implement and maintain – ensuring the venue will operate effectively for years to come.
About Cumberland Sports Village Cumberland Sports Village is a partnership between Cumberland Council, Workington AFC, and Workington Town RLFC to create a shared stadium facility. The project will redevelop the existing footprint of Borough Park to provide a modern venue that meets the aspirations of both clubs whilst serving as a community hub for sporting excellence.
For project information: Cumberland Sports Village development updates available at Cumberland Sports Village
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