Whitehaven’s Bus Station development has been recognised at North West planning awards.
The Royal Town Planning Institute North West Awards celebrate examples of development best practice.
The Bus Station, which is a BEC development, won the award for Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture and Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy.
The development was also named overall winner and will go on to represent the North West at the National RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence.
The judges were particularly impressed with the commitment and determination of Copeland Council and its partners to retain the existing frontage and to use this as the starting point for the design of the development.
They also felt the project was an excellent example of partnership working that is delivering positive benefits to the West Cumbria community.
Nick Hayhurst, head of planning and place, said: “It is fantastic news that the Bus Station has been recognised by the RTPI as an exemplar development at a regional level.
“The award reflects the hard work and determination by the council, BEC and partners to secure a sympathetic development that retained the historic façade of the building yet delivered a dynamic and flexible space for both leisure and business uses.
“The completed scheme has made a huge impact to the North Shore area and sets the standard for future development within Copeland.”
Part of the North Shore Scheme, the Bus Station development on Bransty Row houses flexible office space for established businesses and start-ups and the 125-seat The Peddler restaurant.
“This was a joint effort and one that has completely transformed a building that was once an iconic gateway into the town,” said Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland.
“It’s now once again a building to be proud of, showing just what can be done when we work together.
“The vision of the Bus Station has been realised. It is a space for people from across Copeland and beyond to come and enjoy themselves at The Peddler.
“At the same time, it provides a home and office space for entrepreneurs and businesses of the future. It’s a fantastic addition to the town and the awards for everyone involved are richly deserved.”
