Work begins on £3.6m Sheepmount project

Construction work has begun on the Sheepmount sports centre in Carlisle in order to create the region’s primary athletics and county football centre.

Two more lanes will be added to the six-lane running track, the football pitches will be reconfigured and drained and new changing facilities will be installed.

Carlisle City Council has earmarked £1.5m for the project, with the rest of the funding coming from Sport England and the Football Foundation.

Kier Northern has been appointed contractor for the work, which is due to be completed by spring 2005.

Mike Mitchelson, leader of the council, said: “The redevelopment will allow the city to host national athletics events and will provide top class facilities and equipment for all sports.

“The new centre is set to lead the way for the development of football in the area and when completed, will be one of the best in the region.”

Sheepmount currently has a seated capacity of around 200 and hosts a variety of sporting events, including providing facilities for 17 football clubs, athletics and other pitch sports.