Cumbria TV presenter Helen Skelton recently visited Workington’s Borough Park to help champion the Great Grid Upgrade.

National Grid recently launched its plans for the Cross Border Connection, part of The Great Grid Update.

The Cross Border Connection would help carry home-grown energy from more affordable sources between Scotland and the North of England.If approved, the Cross Border Connection would carry up to 6.9GW of electricity – enough to power around six million homes.

National Grid said that by strengthening the network, the project would support the UK’s shift away from imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and help boost Cumbria’s economy by attracting clean industries and investment in skills and local jobs.

The project includes a new overhead electricity line and a new substation in the Carlisle area.

The proposed line would run from the England-Scotland border near Kershopefoot to the new substation, with two possible sites under consideration.

Helen met with Phil Norman, chairman of Workington AFC and David Bowden, Cumberland Sports Village Ltd director, at the football ground, where the Cumberland Sports Village will be built.

Scheduled to open in 2027, it will serve both Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC.

National Grid said the Great Grid Upgrade will power a bigger, better stadium which means more games, more fans, more hot food stands – all things that need more electricity.

Helen’s brother Gavin was assistant manager, caretaker manager and player coach at Workington Reds between 2013 and 2014. He returned as manager in December 2018, but resigned in January 19.

Helen toured the football ground with Phil, reminiscing about watching matches there as a teenager with her family.

The conversation was focused on the future when they were joined by David, and they discussed how the Cumberland Sports Village will transform the club with extensive new facilities, benefitting the wider community.

The development will create new jobs for local residents and offer young people access to high-quality sports facilities and mentoring programmes.

Helen said: “This region has such a special place in my heart, and I’ve seen first-hand how investment in sport and community spaces benefits future generations, so this is really exciting for me.

“The reality is that for important spaces like the Cumberland Sports Village to grow, we need more energy and better infrastructure, and that’s what we can all enjoy when communities get plugged in to The Great Grid Upgrade.

“Beyond the Cumberland Sports Village, the benefits will be experienced in homes, schools and local businesses, by providing access to cleaner energy from more affordable sources.”

Phil added: “Our project is going to completely change the face of sport in Workington, allowing us to host more matches, more fans and more community activities.

“This isn’t just about upgrading a stadium; it’s about creating the conditions for long-term social and economic impact.

“This new facility means that we won’t need to direct as much money and resources into general maintenance as we do now, and the prospect of being able to connect to more affordable sources of energy through The Great Grid Upgrade is crucial to keep us going.”

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “Securing our future electricity needs in the region will be key to meeting Cumbria’s potential and our aspirations as a region for economic development and growth. The Great Grid Upgrade is a game-changer for projects like the Cumberland Sports Village, enabling local businesses and community organisations to expand, create jobs, and attract investment while accessing cleaner, more reliable energy. This infrastructure investment not only powers sport and leisure but strengthens Cumbria’s economy for generations to come.”

Angela Hosford, Cross Border Connection project director at National Grid, said: “Electricity demand is rising fast, including here in Cumbria. It’s crucial we upgrade the grid now to support the places that matter to local people, whether that’s for watching your favourite football team or running a local business. The Great Grid Upgrade will help deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to power these experiences – today and into the future.”

Public consultations have now begun for the Cross Border Connection project, part of The Great Grid Upgrade, which will strengthen the network between England and Scotland and help move cleaner, more affordable sources of energy to around six million homes in Cumbria and beyond and support long term economic growth in the region. The Great Grid Upgrade is expected to deliver significant community benefit funding and National Grid will work closely with local and national partners to leave a lasting positive legacy for people and nature.

Helen Skelton has visited the future home of the Cumberland Sports Village in Workington. as The Great Grid Upgrade Powers Community Spirit in Cumbria

Whilst on-site at Borough Park, Skelton explored how The Great Grid Upgrade will bring lasting benefits to the local community through the new development, that will be home to Workington AFC and Workington Town RLC when it opens in 2027