A new community and visitor facility has officially opened on Whitehaven's historic harbour in West Cumbria.
The Edge, developed with support from Sellafield Ltd and the UK Government's Coastal Communities Fund, offers a range of amenities including:
16 en-suite guest rooms with harbour views
a café and mezzanine bar
meeting rooms
changing and drying facilities
a stage for performances and cultural events
The project was delivered in partnership with local organisations through Sellafield Ltd's Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme, which aims to support resilient economies and thriving communities across West Cumbria.
Stuart McCourt, social impact manager at Sellafield Ltd, said:
We're really excited to see The Edge open, it will be a real asset to the community.
The project matched well against 2 of our social impact objectives. It helps to create 'resilient economies' by attracting visitors into the area and increasing the footfall for local business. From a 'thriving communities' perspective, the facility will give opportunities to local residents without the need to travel out of the area.
The Edge is designed to support a wide range of users, including local groups, paddleboarders, cyclists completing the C2C and walkers completing the Coast-to-Coast route, and visitors enjoying the Cumbrian coastline, as well as offering 16 en-suite bedrooms with stunning harbour views.
The Edge stands as a testament to resilience and regeneration. Its journey began after a devastating storm destroyed the buildings once perched on the quay.
Deanne Shallcross, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said:
It feels amazing to open the doors to the public and to hear such positive reactions from the first groups of users.
With Osprey Management Group as the main operator, and by working with various activity specialists, our aim is to build a financially sustainable centre with long-term social, economic and health benefits for the local area and beyond.
Craig Lowery, managing director of Osprey Management Group, said:
We are proud to be involved in this unique and exciting project which we are sure will benefit the visitor economy and the people of West Cumbria.
We are looking forward to continuing our commitment to provide job opportunities to local people and we look forward to welcoming guests to The Edge.
