Whitehaven residents have given their backing to ambitious plans to revive the town centre, following a packed public meeting held last week.
Around 70 residents attended the meeting, where they were given a preview of the Whitehaven Town Centre Masterplan ahead of its expected approval by Cumberland Council’s Executive next month.
The plan has been shaped by one of the most extensive public engagement exercises Whitehaven has seen in recent years, led by Cumberland Council, Josh MacAlister MP and local councillors. Over the last 18 months, nearly 1,000 residents have shared their views through public meetings, surveys, consultation events and direct engagement.
The masterplan sets out more than a dozen major projects designed to transform the town centre, including action to tackle parking issues, investment in the high street, significant new housing developments, and new cultural and leisure facilities.
Residents at the meeting gave the plans a strongly positive reception, with clear support for a practical, long-term approach to restoring pride, confidence and investment in Whitehaven.
The proposals build on work already underway to bring new life and activity into the town centre and harbour area, including the recent opening of The Edge Outdoor Activities Centre and LEVELs digital gaming hub. Together, these projects are part of a wider effort to make Whitehaven a more vibrant place to live, work, visit and invest.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven, said:
“Whitehaven is a town with huge potential, but for too long residents have seen plans come and go without enough action on the ground. This masterplan is about changing that.
With the opening of The Edge and LEVELs progress is already happening. Now we need to build on that momentum, tackle the things residents raise again and again – like parking, empty shops and the need for more reasons to come into town – and secure the investment Whitehaven deserves.
“That is why Cumberland Council and I are already working hard to secure the funding needed to deliver this plan. We are having active conversations with the nuclear sector and with government about how we turn this masterplan into real projects on the ground – bringing new homes, new facilities, better public spaces and renewed confidence in the town centre.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has taken part so far. This is a plan shaped by Whitehaven, for Whitehaven, and I’ll keep working with the council, local businesses, the nuclear industry, government and residents to make sure it is delivered.”
Cllr Emma Williamson, Whitehaven councillor and Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
“This is an exciting and important moment for Whitehaven. The town centre masterplan has been shaped by residents, businesses and community organisations who care deeply about the future of our town.
“What came across strongly at the public meeting was that people want to see ambition, but they also want to see delivery. That means tackling long-standing issues like parking and the condition of the high street, while also supporting new homes, leisure, culture and opportunities for young people.
“As a Whitehaven councillor, I know how strongly people feel about the town centre. We have a real opportunity now to turn that passion into a clear plan for action, and to build on the positive work already happening through projects like The Edge and LEVELs.
“I’m proud that Cumberland Council has worked closely with Josh, local councillors and the community on this plan, and I look forward to it coming before the Executive next month.”
Josh MacAlister MP 