EROS Properties has submitted an outline planning application for a new 6,000sqm Grade A office development on the site of Argos and Rack Shack in Whitehaven with retail space, staff parking and a new public square.
Located on Quay Street, the attractive harbourside development has the potential to deliver significant employment opportunities to Whitehaven and West Cumbria. This includes the creation of up to 400 new full time office jobs and up to 300 direct and indirect jobs per month during the construction phase of the development.
This further investment in Whitehaven will also generate £18.4 million per annum to the local economy, supporting the vitality and viability of existing retailers and service providers within the town centre.
The proposals submitted for consideration to Copeland Borough Council by planning and design consultancy, Barton Willmore, are an amended version of a previous planning application submitted on the site. It now includes several significant design changes to the height, scale, massing and appearance of the building and an addition of a new public space.
EROS Properties’ scheme takes advantage of views across Whitehaven harbourside, with the inclusion of an outdoor roof terrace. The fourth and fifth floor have been purposely set back to reflect the height of neighbouring buildings and to improve the setting of the neighbouring Chapel. The modern appearance of the building draws on precedents from Whitehaven’s Georgian architecture and the new public square includes high quality landscaping and outdoor seating to provide an attractive new destination for the people of Whitehaven to enjoy and socialise.
The delivery of this high-quality office development will help the Council realise their aspirations to boost economic growth in Whitehaven, Copeland and West Cumbria. This will also allow the region to build on their existing economic strengths to create a highly skilled workforce across a varied economic base.
Hannah Walker, Senior Planner at Barton Willmore, said: “The proposed scheme will breathe new life in to Whitehaven and the wider area, providing both high quality office space in a sought-after location, along with retail and a new outdoor space for the public to enjoy.”
Copeland Borough Council is seeking comments on the new planning application from residents and businesses in Whitehaven. People can register their comments with the Council in writing or by email using the reference number 4/18/2546/0O1.
EROS Properties is being supported in the development of this project by PRP acting as architects and Barton Willmore acting as planners.
