Whitehaven Bus Station Redevelopment Scoops Top IED Award
The once derelict Whitehaven bus station has hit the jackpot, winning the Institute of Economic Development’s (IED) 2023 award for outstanding impact. This nod from the UK’s top independent economic development body highlights a stunning local regeneration success.
£8.2m Revamp Breaths New Life Into Whitehaven
Reopened in May 2021, the £8.2 million overhaul transformed the old bus station into a buzzing hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups. The project was co-funded by Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), with expert delivery by BEC and backing from Copeland Borough Council.
- £5.7 million came from Sellafield Ltd’s social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme.
- Features include co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a cutting-edge maker space equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters.
- Home to the North of England’s first Barclays Eagle Lab outside major cities, boosting local innovation and creating 24 new jobs.
Partnerships Driving Local Economic Boom
Gary McKeating, Head of Development and Community at Sellafield Ltd, hailed the project as “an amazing and vibrant example” of transformational change. He added:
“The Bus Station has exceeded all of our expectations in terms of occupancy and impact, and we will continue to support the Eagle Lab through mentorship and other support programmes.”
Jamie Reed, NDA Director of Socio Economics, said the award-backed project showcases the power of partnerships:
“The Bus Station is a significant West Cumbrian success story, demonstrating how collaborative efforts create lasting social and economic benefits.”
NDA’s £15 Million Annual Boost to Communities
The NDA invests around £15 million yearly nationwide to spark permanent positive change. Projects like Whitehaven’s bus station regeneration prove the value of strategic funding, promising benefits that will ripple through the community for years to come.
