WHITEHAVEN could soon be home to a vibrant music and arts venue with an exciting redevelopment by BEC which will see an old warehouse converted into a unique venue to nurture local talent and bring the community together.

Working with local music charity Soundwave, BEC aims to revive the former warehouse near the Bus Station at Bransty Row as a contemporary music and arts venue for the community and local talent alike.

The scheme will see recycled shipping containers transformed into spaces for recording, rehearsals, workshops and performance – creating a 'flexible, accessible and inclusive venue'.

A two-day public consultation into the redevelopment of the former warehouse will take place on February 27 and 28 and is a chance for the community to find out more and to have their say in the plans.

'Making West Cumbria a better place to live, work, visit and play'

BEC chief executive, Michael Pemberton said: “It's really important that we build a community where people feel welcome, supported and encouraged to grow their skills, showcase their talent, have fun and be part of something special.

“We’re passionate about making West Cumbria a better place to live, work, visit and ‘play’ and we believe this creative proposition will bring this space back into the spotlight."

The scheme, which is being brought forward by BEC working in partnership with Soundwave, will see the former warehouse brought back to life as a contemporary music and arts venue – a safe and welcoming community space where people of all ages can realise their musical and artistic ambitions, develop new skills, improve their health and wellbeing and meet up with friends.

The redevelopment will be in keeping with the historic use of the building with an industrial look and feel.

BEC head of developments, Steve Holland said: “Following the successful redevelopment of the former Bus Station we’ve been looking at options for the warehouse and we’re thrilled to be working with an organisation like Soundwave to develop this concept and bring the warehouse back into use.

“The site lends itself to a different approach for redevelopment, using recycled shipping containers is in line with our commitment to protecting natural capital.

"We want to know what local residents and the wider community think of our plans and to spark their interest and excitement about the scheme. 

"I’m really looking to meeting everyone and hearing what they think.”

David Roberts, Soundwave director, said: “The Soundwave team are overwhelmed with excitement for the potential of this opportunity.”

“We believe this new creative space could be the catalyst for bringing about a change of attitude towards music, arts and culture in West Cumbria. Expanding the creative workforce and kickstarting the revolution of musicians, creatives and digital artists working from West Cumbria.”

“It's a huge step forward for local young creatives and the wider community, a safe creative space where people will be able to discover, explore and perform.”

The consultation event - which will take place in The Peddler, at the Bus Station in Whitehaven - is not only for members of the public to learn more about the scheme and share their views, but to see first-hand the work that Soundwave do and the impact they already make.

Attendees will get to hear live music and vocals from local artists and learn more about the different activities that Soundwave plan to do in the hub. 

The event is open to the public, local schools and businesses – with the team at BEC and Soundwave particularly keen to hear from nearby residents, those aged between 11 to 19 and their parents.

They want to understand what the community would like to see in the building, what music and artistic activities they’re interested in and how they’d like to be involved in the future. 

To register for the event visit http://ow.ly/LCkh50MKelT

If you can’t make the event but you’d like to let them know what you think visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B2TLQKS