Concerns have emerged over the potential impact of a proposed housing development on the traditional Uppies and Downies mass football game in Workington.
Atkinson Building Contractors has submitted plans to Cumberland Council to construct 42 retirement flats off Church Road on land known as The Cloffocks, close to where the Easter series of the game begins.
The Uppies and Downies match draws hundreds of spectators each year. Player Elvin Jarvis warned that a new building site could “pose hazards to players and spectators”.
H21, which would manage the development, indicated that construction is expected to start after Easter. A spokesman said fencing would be installed to secure the site. “There’s probably not going to be any change [in 2026], but there will be in 2027,” he added. He noted that the project is still at the planning stage, with more details to be confirmed in due course.
The Cloffocks has seen recent development, including Workington Leisure Centre and a Travelodge. Construction of a new community stadium nearby is also expected to begin in the new year.
The Uppies and Downies game has been played in Workington for centuries, with players moving the ball across car parks, shopping precincts, and even the River Derwent. The Uppies, from the upper part of the town, aim to get the ball to Workington Hall, while the Downies, from the lower area, try to reach the harbour. Mr Jarvis noted: “The ball can go anywhere and last year was the first year that the ball went past the Travelodge.”
While not opposed to the housing plans, concerns remain over safety during construction and the impact of additional buildings in the game area. “Any new development is a concern to the game but as always we will just go round it,” said Mr Jarvis.
Cumberland Council, which is leading plans for the new stadium, declined to comment.
The proposed flats would target social rent or retirement living, with one-bedroom units spread over three floors. Planning documents indicate the project is being developed with H21, drawing on a similar scheme at Newton House in Penrith. Earlier permission granted in 2018 for a restaurant and pub on the site was never implemented.
