MP welcomes Carlisle United Sheepmount training ground deal

Julie Minns says the deal between the Blues and Cumberland Council for a five-year lease is "just the kind of collaboration" the city needs.

It was confirmed on Thursday that a five-year lease had been agreed which would enable United to develop two training pitches for use this autumn.

It is intended to be the first step of a bigger long-term development at the site - while United, through their owners, the Piataks, have also pledged to invest £50,000 into local grassroots football.

"I am delighted to see Carlisle United and Cumberland Council working together in this way for the benefit of our city," said recently-elected Labour MP Ms Minns.

"This is just the kind of collaboration we need to move forward together.

READ MORE: Carlisle United and council confirm deal for Sheepmount training ground

"As a United fan, I am thrilled to see further evidence of investment in the club by the new owners.

"Their long-term vision for developing the club should give us all confidence for the future.

"And as Carlisle's MP, I welcome the added benefits this deal will bring to grassroots football and sport in the area."

The five-year lease will see the upper plateau of the Sheepmount developed by United.

The deal follows a consultation period which followed negotiations between the Blues and the council.

Carlisle owner Tom Piatak said the aim for the club is to have two training pitches ready by October.

United said it will be a “transformative initiative”, marking “a significant investment in both the club and the city of Carlisle".

The club said the project will also see existing community sports facilities across Carlisle improved, including community pitches at the Sheepmount. 

Castle Sports Group, the Piataks’ business that owns the Blues, will finance the initiative "entirely", the club added.

Mark Fryer, the leader of Cumberland Council, said the partnership was “exciting news for Carlisle and the wider Cumberland area.