Sellafield Ltd joins forces with local partners and supply chain to fund the creation of LEVELS - a state-of-the-art digital centre in Whitehaven, West Cumbria.
Sellafield Ltd, through its SiX (social impact, multiplied) programme, has announced a major investment in LEVELS, a ground-breaking £4.6 million redevelopment of the former Whittles department store in Whitehaven, West Cumbria into a state-of-the-art immersive entertainment and education centre.
Delivered and developed by social impact property developers BEC, LEVELS has transformed a Grade II-listed building into a cutting-edge hub for digital creativity, learning, and interactive experiences.
Across 4 floors, the centre features immersive digital and gaming experiences, an esports arena, interactive learning spaces, and a café-creating a vibrant space for education and creativity in the heart of Whitehaven.
By equipping young people with the skills needed for a digital-first future, the project aims to engage young people, their families, and educators, inspiring the next generation to explore careers in digital and creative technology.
Funding for the project includes £3.3 million from Sellafield Ltd through its SiX programme, alongside £800,000 in funding, equipment, and logistical support from BT, Atos, and Openreach-as part of their social impact commitments through Information and Communications Technology contracts with Sellafield Ltd.
BEC has also contributed £500,000, demonstrating the power of partnership to multiply impact.
Tracey West, Sellafield Ltd's head of social impact, said:
LEVELS represents exactly what our SiX programme is about-creating lasting social impact by investing in skills, innovation, and opportunity. By collaborating with partners like BEC and our supply chain, we're helping West Cumbria's young people prepare for a digital future.
This investment builds on our long-standing commitment to improving education provision in West Cumbria, following projects such as West Lakes Academy, the Whitehaven Campus, the National College for Nuclear, and the Well programme.
