A NEW coastal activities centre on Whitehaven Harbour is due to open this summer, it has been revealed.
The Edge, which is set to boost the economy, attract visitors and provide a valuable resource for local people, is expected to open in time for the summer holiday.
The three-storey building, which has been designed to look like the sandstone pebbles washed up onto the harbourside during high seas, has been erected on land next to the Wellington Inn car park.
Once complete, it will contain changing facilities, a cafe, public toilets, meeting rooms and a gallery for hosting a variety of activities and events. The top two floors will contain en-suite overnight accommodation.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, who have overseen the project, say the building is now in its final stages and the outstanding works are estimated to take about four months to complete.
Osprey will manage the hospitality, accommodation and associated operations. The company is known for its portfolio of quality establishments, including The Peddler at the award-winning Bus Station in Whitehaven, The Galloping Horse in High Harrington and the Hunday Manor Country House Hotel, near Workington.
A small amount of external work to The Edge is to be completed, including all the signage. Recruitment and training will also get under way.
Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said the project had been met with many challenges since its inception, including the pandemic and numerous knock-on effects of that, supply chain issues, unforeseen infrastructure problems, the impact of storms and also the location in general.
She said: “It feels such a relief to finally talk about opening.
“WHC's mission is to ensure the harbour is somewhere local people can really be proud of. We also want it to be a beacon for tourism, which in turn helps to improve the area and everyone's lives.
“The Edge will offer bespoke facilities and storage for water sports and other recreational activities, as well as acting as a creative, cultural and community hub through its multi-functional educational and performance areas.
“We're excited about opening this year and can't wait to start welcoming people through the doors.”
Funded by Sellafield Ltd and The Coastal Communities Fund, The Edge will sit alongside other projects in Whitehaven, such as the redevelopment of the Old New Quay and the launch of flexible office space at the Bus Station.
They will work together to create jobs, attract new people, encourage locals to stay in the area and drive tourists to West Cumbria from the central Lake District.
The Edge will generate employment opportunities for people in the local area and there will be opportunities for local businesses to offer catering and hospitality, and for organisations to co-ordinate a variety of activities and events.
