People in the area will be asked for their ideas

Allerdale Borough Council has confirmed Tesco as the preferred developer of land at Laundry Field, Workington.

A conditional agreement is due to be signed soon and the development is expected to release millions of pounds.

Money from the sale of the land will be ploughed back into regeneration projects in the town, including plans for a stadium complex.

Public consulted

Council leader Jim Musgrave said: "Our plan is that the money would be used to provide sports facilities in the Derwent Valley, including hopefully a new multi-purpose stadium complex to be shared by the town's professional sports clubs and to house other activities.

"However, the money could also fund new leisure and recreational provision, such as environmental improvements, riverside walkways, cycleways and picnic area, as well as improvements to local housing."

He said a public consultation would be launched to find out people's ideas for sports and leisure facilities.

Tesco had been recommended by the council's Workington Town Centre task group as its preferred development partner and the decision was confirmed at a full council meeting.