Cumbria’s first-of-a-kind digital and gaming hub has announced its partnership with VR Gateway.
The Carlisle-based business has been chosen as the primary delivery partner owing to its credentials and credibility in VR, immersive technology and educational solutions.
Social impact property developers BEC is transforming the old Whittles building in Whitehaven town centre into a three-storey high-tech hub to upskill, educate, and inspire.
The space will include dedicated gaming and VR suites and access to recording studios, digital workshop areas, a café, and meeting rooms.
Levels is a £4.1 million redevelopment programme, with £2.8 million secured from Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) scheme, £800,000 from BT, and £485,000from BEC.
Michael Pemberton, BEC’s chief executive, said: “We have been working with VR Gateway since our initial public consultations in 2021, and they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and alignment regarding Levels.
“Today’s announcement re-affirms our commitment to ensuring we [BEC] are surrounded by credible partners who share our vision for a hub that delivers what we aim to achieve and more.
“We have every faith in VR Gateway to deliver for the young people of West Cumbria and the educational institutions locally.”
VR Gateway has significant experience in business management, ICT, and training delivery and extensive experience in applied VR in a commercial environment for education and entertainment.
The firm has a track record of collaboratively utilising emerging technology in different sectors. It shares BEC’s aspiration to drive transformative change and support the growth of digital and creative innovation in the area.
Ian Irving, director at VR Gateway, said, “We are incredibly excited about our involvement in Levels. This project is truly transformative for West Cumbria and one we are aligned with regarding vision and values.
“Levels is set to be a hugely innovative centre of immersive technology. We will provide young people access to e-sports and podcasts and bridge the gap between education and industry.
“We will host immersive professional training programmes, workshops, and a fresh take on traditional curriculum-based learning.
“The technology is hugely engaging and opens up various training and educational possibilities. We can’t wait to unveil the technology being implemented and begin working with local educational institutions and industry partners.”
Levels is scheduled to open this autumn.
