Piataks: We're investing more than £8.5m to transform Carlisle United

Carlisle United's owners say they are spending more than £8.5m on major developments at the club.

The Piatak family, who bought the club last November, said that is the combined amount being put into a new training ground scheme plus stadium developments.

The American business people say £4m investment is set aside for a training ground project which they hope to progress soon.

Ongoing work to modernise facilities at Brunton Park, meanwhile, is coming at a further cost of more than £4.5m, the Piataks claim.

The family made the comments on the massive outlay in the latest official update issued via their Castle Sports Group business, which was the vehicle for their takeover of the Blues.

They have also used the message to issue an appeal for support and commercial backing as they look to take the club into a new era.

Speaking of a "transformative journey" at Brunton Park, the Piataks say there have already been significant renovations at the ground to improve facilities for fans and players.

"Moreover, in our commitment to excellence and community development, we are poised to invest an additional £4 million into building a new training facility," they said.

"This ambitious project aims to elevate the potential of 'The Blues' and nurture local talent, ensuring investment impact extends well beyond the pitch."

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The full details of the training ground project - widely understood, though officially unconfirmed, to be sited at the Sheepmount in Carlisle - are yet to be disclosed, likewise whether the £4m mentioned by the Piataks will cover the full cost of the scheme.

The Piataks add that "central to our plans" is investment of "over £4.5m to bring premier-level hospitality facilities to Brunton Park."

Major work is currently under way which will see new hospitality rooms in the East Stand along with new executive boxes - four of which, the Piataks say, have already been "sold on long-term deals".

Other improvements mentioned by the American family include new LED pitchside advertising boards, a new big screen for an expanded west side fan zone, new facilities at the Warwick Road End, refurbishment of the Neil Sports Centre, redeveloped changing rooms in the west side of the ground, a new academy minibus and the purchase of properties which will be improved player residences.

They also stress that a "significantly improved player budget" is at United's disposal as they look to bounce back from last season's relegation to League Two.

The Castle Sports Group statement invites anyone who "wants to join us on this journey" to support United in "a manner that best suits your passion".

This, they say, could include buying a season ticket, securing an executive box "or becoming a regional partner or sponsor".

They invite people to contact the club regarding the above, adding: "Together, we can achieve great heights and ensure a bright future for Carlisle United."

Tom Piatak snr recently used a News & Star interview to publicly call on Cumberland Council to speed up the process regarding talks over the training ground plan. The council have not commented.

Blues manager Paul Simpson more recently said he was aware of signs of progress with the plan.