Carlisle United have taken a major step towards a new training ground at the Sheepmount after agreeing a five-year lease with Cumberland Council.
The Blues have confirmed that a deal has been sealed to develop the upper plateau of the Sheepmount.
It will see two training pitches installed in the coming weeks and is the first part of a proposed bigger development for the club at the city centre site.
The deal follows a consultation period which followed negotiations between the Blues and the council.
United announced that £50,000 capital investment will go into grassroots football in the city as part of the agreement.
Blues owner and chairman Tom Piatak, meanwhile, said the intention now was to have two pitches ready on the site by October.
“It’s great news for the club to have the initial five-year lease signed,” Piatak said in a statement.
“That will enable us to get two pitches up and running as quickly as possible, which we hope to have done by October.
“The council have been fantastic to work with. The Sheepmount is a community asset so we’ve had to go through the right processes, and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship going forward.”
United’s American owners earmarked the Sheepmount from an early stage as the proposed site for a new training facility, which has long been a key part of their vision for the Blues.
Piatak has, at earlier stages, been critical of the speed of the process at council level but agreement has now been reached.
The Blues regime want to undertake work on a bigger level to equip the Sheepmount with a modern, multi-million pound training complex for United in the long term.
That, Piatak has said, will require a longer lease but today’s news marks a significant step.
United plan to have training pitches ready on the site by October (Image: News & Star)
United said it will be a “transformative initiative”, marking “a significant investment in both the club and the city of Carlisle.”
The statement added: “The project will not only enhance Carlisle United’s training capabilities but also contribute to the improvement of existing community sports facilities at sites in Carlisle, including the remaining community pitches at the Sheepmount.
“Carlisle United’s ambition is to put in place professional amenities that will benefit both the club and local grassroots teams.
“Castle Sports Group [the Piataks’ business that owns the Blues] is committed to financing this initiative entirely, ensuring no financial burden on Cumberland Council or the local community.”
Mark Fryer, the leader of Cumberland Council, said the partnership was “exciting news for Carlisle and the wider Cumberland area.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Carlisle United FC, GLL [Greenwich Leisure Limited] and local clubs to support the growth of the community partnership.
“I would like to thank all those that have played their part in getting to this stage. It shows all the partners commitment and once in place will provide lasting benefits for existing users of the site and grass roots football in our region.
“We are delighted that CUFC have committed to engage with the community and develop a longer-term masterplan for the site. We look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”
Tom Rice, the Cumberland Partnership Manager for GLL, who manage the Sheepmount site on Cumberland Council’s behalf, added: “We are excited to welcome Carlisle United 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 have said the existing grassroots use of the area of the Sheepmount to be developed “will 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. The club will also maintain the area.”
No other users of the site will be affected, the club and council added, including car parking provision, changing facilities, the rifle club, the athletics stadium and most other pitches at the Sheepmount.
