A fantastic new sports facility in Cockermouth is delighted to be able to provide a base for various teams and groups – and hopes lots more will sign up.

For more than two years, work has been progressing on transforming some old squash courts at Highfield into a great sports space.

Cockermouth Titans ARLFC hope to have everything finally completed later this summer.

They were able to take on the project following two grants: £142,000 from Rugby League World Cup 2021’s CreatedBy programme and £134,000 from Allerdale Borough Council.

They have used the money to create a modern facility fit for all. There is a function room, sports bar, kitchen, disabled toilets, a lift, five changing rooms, 23 showers and toilets.

Head coach David Whitworth said: “It’s like Starship Enterprise in the boiler room, everything is future proofed. We have new rewiring and plumbing.

“It was in a really bad state of disrepair and there have been all sorts of issues, as well as the pandemic, but we’re nearly there. We’re so pleased with it.”

One squash court has been retained. A yoga class and dance group have already signed up to use the function room, which is available to hire for parties. It is hoped more groups will use the space.

Club members took part in a charity walk to raise money for a defibrillator for the building. They smashed their £2,000 target, bringing in £2,400.

“We wanted to help someone else with the extra money,” said David. So they donated £150 to the Sid 8 Foundation which was set up after the death of former Ellenborough Ranger player Sid Robinson following a heart attack at the age of 48.

The group has organised heart screening for amateur sportsmen to detect any problems.

The club was delighted to receive £500 from the Lakes and Dales Co-op at Keswick, which has been spent on mats.

Various football teams train at the grounds, including Cockermouth, Highfield Ladies and Men and Sunday League football. Keswick Hockey Club has also been using the facilities.

The Titans have started training again and there are up to 80 youths training. “We’ve got really good numbers,” said David. “We had a past and present game recently and there was a real buzz about the club.”