The main contractor for a digital hub in Whitehaven has been appointed – and work will start immediately.
The LEVELS development on Duke Street will operate over three floors, offering gaming and VR spaces, recording studios, and digital workshop zones.
The building will also have its own cafe and meeting areas, opening in late 2025.
Social impact property developer BEC has announced that Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong had been appointed the scheme’s main contractor.
BEC said it promised a world-class development.
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “Following a thorough tender process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Armstrong – a trusted, local and well-resourced firm.
“Thomas Armstrong demonstrated their understanding of the project, expertise, and commitment to social responsibility and care about West Cumbria, its place, and its people.
“This announcement signifies a significant and positive step forward to LEVELS opening in autumn 2025. Our local community will see Thomas Armstrong on site almost immediately.
“The laser-light focus of our project team to make this development world-class remains. LEVELS will be a development for West Cumbria to be proud of and genuinely experience the exceptional, unique benefits that it brings. In this hub, our youth can seriously upskill, learn and be inspired in a mix of high-tech and modern sectors that crosses gaming, music, AI and IT.”
Thomas Armstrong’s managing director, David Atkinson, said: “Thomas Armstrong is thrilled to have been appointed principal contractor for this exciting new development in Whitehaven, which continues our long-standing relationship with BEC.
“The development will bring substantial benefits to the local community. The project will rejuvenate the town centre and breathe new life into the Grade II listed building. It will also provide fantastic opportunities for the young people of West Cumbria and contribute positively to our local economy.
“Thomas Armstrong is fully committed to working in West Cumbria, and this project will assist us in continuing to employ over 250 people who live and work there.”
As part of their appointment, the contractor has committed to various social value initiatives, including visiting educational institutions to discuss the construction industry, volunteering in the community, and recruitment from local agencies/job centres to provide employment and training opportunities.
The hub is a £4.1 million social impact redevelopment programme, with £2.8m of that secured from Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) scheme, £800k from BT and £485k from BEC themselves.
Eirini Etoimou, head of corporate sustainability & supply chain development for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Congratulations to Thomas Armstrong on being appointed primary contractor for the LEVELS project. It’s really exciting to be at the stage where our vision for the building is starting to become a reality.
“LEVELS will be a transformative project for our community, equipping our young people to with the skills and ambition to grasp the limitless opportunities of the digital economy.
“I’m grateful to all the partners who continue to show that our impact is multiplied when we work together on the issues that matter to our communities.”
