A new coastal activity centre is starting to take shape on Whitehaven’s harbour.
The Edge is being constructed at West Strand and will make the harbour a hub for land and water-based activities.
The building will offer changing facilities, a café, overnight accommodation, meeting rooms and a gallery for hosting a variety of activities and events.
It is being funded through The Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield’s SiX programme.
Building works are now well under way with the foundations laid and the metal structure has been put in place over the last few weeks.
Gary McKeating, head of community and development at Sellafield, said: “The harbour regeneration is a great example of the ethos of our SiX – social impact, multiplied programme.
“We’ve co-created these plans with Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and leveraged additional funding so that the Edge will benefit as many people as possible.
"We’re lucky to be surrounded by a beautiful coastline, and this new centre will allow both residents and tourists to experience this.
"This will create jobs, significantly develop Whitehaven’s tourism offer, and help strengthen and diversify the local economy.”
John Baker, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners added: "It’ll bring visitors and investment into the area, but equally it will enhance the lives of local people and give them somewhere to be proud of, have fun, do business and carry out a range of activities to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing."
The scheme was approved in June 2019 and Thomas Armstrong was appointed as the principal design and build contractor in October last year.
It is anticipated 15 jobs will be created both directly and indirectly by The Edge. In addition, it is hoped visitor numbers to Whitehaven could increase by up to 10,000 per year with an associated spend in excess of £500,000.
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