Carlisle United have confirmed for the first time that they are involved in a major development that will see a new training ground at the Sheepmount.
The Blues, after months of speculation, have issued a statement confirming they are working with Cumberland Council over the project.
They say the "upper plateau" of the Sheepmount is the subject of planned development to give the Cumbrians a "state of the art" training facility".
They describe it as a "transformative initiative" which will benefit both the club and the community.
And United's owners, the Piatak family, have said they are financing the major development "entirely" through their Castle Sports Group business.
The Blues say it will be a "staged development" with the intention that United will have a pitch at the site to use before this winter.
That will come ahead of further developments on the site, while the project, which is subject to a consultation process ahead of a five-year lease agreement, "will also contribute to the improvement of existing community sports facilities at the Sheepmount".
The new training ground has been a major part of the Piataks' plans since taking over the Blues last November. Manager Paul Simpson has also long spoken of the need for the club to significantly improve its training facilities.
The Piataks last month said that some £4m was being set aside for the training ground project. The potential cost of the project is not mentioned in the latest statement.
Blues co-owner and chairman Tom Piatak had previously urged the council to speed up the pace of discussions, but the respective parties have now issued a joint statement confirming the state of play.
"The proposed development forms part of the club’s long-term vision to be at the heart of the community, which could also result in capital investment in grass roots football within the city," United's statement said.
"This transformative initiative would mark a significant investment in both the club and the city of Carlisle.
"The project will not only enhance Carlisle United's training capabilities but also contribute to the improvement of existing community sports facilities at the Sheepmount.
"The development will proceed in phases. Carlisle United’s ambition is to put in place professional amenities that will benefit both the club and local grassroots teams.
"Castle Sports Group is committed to financing this initiative entirely, ensuring no financial burden on Cumberland Council or the local community.
"Cumberland Council will be shortly consulting on proposals for the establishment of a five-year lease on part of the site.
"Subject to the outcome of this consultation and release of the land by Cumberland Council, the club would like to have a useable pitch ready for the first team to use before winter."
Tom Piatak said United were "thrilled to collaborate with Cumberland Council on this flagship project.
"This facility will not only elevate our training standards but also serve as a beacon for community engagement and sports development in Carlisle," the American businessman added.
Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s director of Place, Sustainable Growth and Transport added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Carlisle United FC, GLL and local clubs to support the growth of this community partnership.
"As part of the proposed leasing agreement, Carlisle United has committed to an initial investment programme that will result in lasting benefits for existing users of the site and grassroots football in our region.
"We know that they are keen to engage with the community and develop a longer-term masterplan from the site and look forward to seeing their vision come to life.
"We will be shortly consulting on proposals for a five-year lease as we recognise the importance of making sure all voices are heard before any final decision is made.
“The consultation process is a vital step in ensuring that the proposal for a five-year lease meets the needs and expectations of the residents.”
Tom Rice Cumberland Partnership Manager for GLL - who manage the Sheepmount site on Cumberland Council’s behalf - added: “We are excited to welcome Carlisle United FC to the Sheepmount.
"We are looking forward to seeing the positive investment in both the upper plateau and grass pitch football in Carlisle that this project will bring.”
United confirmed that the upper plateau pitches at the Sheepmount is the planned area for their new training ground, with the club keen to establish a modern facility that can cater for their first team as well, eventually, as their academy and ladies' teams.
"The phased plan will initially allow for provision to be maintained within the club’s leased area for league football to continue in the 2024/2025 season. This will be in place until alternative provision has been put in place," United added.
"The club will also maintain the area we are proposing to lease.
"The club is planning to invest £50,000 into grass roots football with improvements locally. There will be engagement with football stakeholders to ensure the best provision can be supported.
"GLL, the Cumberland FA and clubs who used the upper plateau have been consulted and it should be noted that no other users of the site will be affected.
"Under proposals car parking provision will remain the same, as will changing facilities and the rifle club will be unaffected; the athletics stadium will also continue to operate as normal as will the vast majority of pitches at the site."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel