A surprise ‘plan b’ has emerged ahead of a crunch decision on the future of the multi-million-pound stadium scheme for Workington.

The late contender was sent to the council’s new administration just hours before they are due to discuss the controversial project at their first public meeting on Friday.

The plans to re-develop Borough Park were part of a mothballed scheme from 2017 but have now revived and put to the executive for consideration.

Long-standing Workington Reds fan Les Byers believes his proposals could present a “viable alternative” to the one now on the table.

The 11th-hour submission has emerged as the new Independent-led executive is due to discuss the stadium project after it was “called in” amid concerns the business case did not stack up

Mr Byers, who has 40 years of architectural and engineering experience, was involved in developing several options for the ground in 2017 before the plans were shelved in favour of the present larger scale development.

He said: “Whilst I would welcome the stadium if it is found that the funding arrangement adds up, I have always liked the other plan because it has several important features I know are particularly important to the Borough park fans.”

He proposes that all the deteriorating structures at Borough Park are demolished, leaving only the concrete terracing intact.
The new stadium would then surround the terracing to preserve the unique atmosphere of Borough Park.

Mr Byers added: “The terracing is an iconic feature of Borough Park, much loved by local supporters and admired with envy by visiting fans.
“Obviously, it will need some refurbishment, but It would be an ideal foundation for a new ground”

Under the plans, the old grandstand on the west side of the ground would be completely replaced with a new 700-seater stand, incorporating new changing rooms, bars and corporate facilities.

The popular side stand, with its 800 seats, would also be replaced and both the Derwent and Town ends would be roofed over with a steel frame and steel panels, matching the new grandstand.

His vision for the shared stadium for Reds and Town would be on a smaller scale than the scheme proposed by the previous Labour executive.

But the venue would be able to accommodate a 6,000-capacity crowd which, the minimum seating requirement for the venue to host the Rugby League World Cup games which are due to be played here in 2021.

Mr Byers added: “We are not talking about a sticking plaster, but a major high-quality refurbishment which would still include the option for a community 3G pitch on Lonsdale Park.”

A question mark has been hanging over the project since Labour lost control of the council in May.

Some among the Independent-Conservative executive had spoken out against the size and scale of the stadium when they were opposition, branding it an “vanity project” and a “white elephant”.

But since the new administration was formed last month, there have been some signs that their stance has softened.
The revised plans would cost less than £15m, considerably cheaper than the original proposals which could have been as high as £95m according to some estimates.

The Sellafield offices for 350 workers and the NHS facilities could still be accommodated as part of the scaled-back project.

But he said the cost of building these enabling developments adjacent to the ground, rather than as part of the stadium, could be “considerably cheaper”.

These buildings would still generate an income which could fund the proposals even if not physically connected to the stadium.

He said this could be achieved by the creation of a ‘Cloffolks Village’ and enterprise or business area, though these plans have not been fully developed at this stage.

Mr Byers is from Workington and has worked primarily in local government, as well as in nuclear and defence projects across country.

While attached to Sellafield Architects Office, he has worked as part of the team  involved with the Copeland Sports Stadium in Whitehaven.

He also stressed that he was not being paid for his work and was doing it on top of his day job on behalf of the club he loves.