Funds have been released to allow a full planning application to be put together, signalling a big step forward for the project.

As part of the Workington Town Deal, Cumberland Council has agreed the release of a grant worth £235,000 for the scheme.

According to the authority, this money will be used for the drawing up of detailed plans and to instruct the architects, The Manning Elliott Partnership.

The money will also allow other planning professionals to play a role in preparing an application, with a view to one being submitted to the council in the autumn.

A company limited by guarantee has been set up, Cumberland Sports Village Limited, charged with overseeing development of the site.

Additional funding is also being supplied Allerdale Investment Partnership to support its initial operating costs.

The build costs for the initial phase of the sports village are being drawn from the government’s Town Deal fund and the council.

Dave Bowden, Cumberland Sports Village spokesperson, said: “The next stage of work to build the new Cumberland Sports Village can now begin in earnest.

“The grant of this funding means we can put everything in place to draw up the detailed plans and show sports fans across the county and beyond how this fabulous new stadium is going to look.

“This is more than just a sports ground, it’s an entire community facility, and it’s exciting to see it gathering pace.”

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, added: “I am very pleased the council is now able to release this initial tranche of funding.

“I have been fighting for West Cumbria to have a top-class stadium for many years and it is fantastic that the architects are now able to create the detailed designs for a venue which will cement our status as major players on the sporting map.”