This is the first look inside Whitehaven’s new coastal activity centre, The Edge.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners have shared pictures from inside The Edge after recently receiving the keys to the centre.
The organisation said it has now taken official ownership of the building from contractor Thomas Armstrong.
It was initially hoped the centre would open in summer 2022 – but it faced significant delays due to the pandemic and during its construction.
But the commissioners said the centre is now in its ‘coming to life phase’ and is set to be open to the public this summer.
Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “It’s a really exciting time for us. After years of planning and construction, we’re finally inside The Edge and ready to take the next big step.
“There’s still a huge amount of work ahead, but the building is full of potential and it won’t be long before the site becomes a hive of activity once again as the fit out gets underway in earnest.”
While The Edge has been built as a coastal activity centre – with kayakers, wild swimmers, cyclists, walkers and sailors in mind – the commissioners said the vision for the space is much broader.
It has also been designed as a space for community groups, artists, musicians, heritage clubs, hobbyists and outdoor adventure providers.
The commissioners added that they hope The Edge will be just as valuable for toddler groups and book clubs as it is for training sessions or sea cadet events.
The building is described as accessible and features several different spaces and elements for the public, including:
- Six public toilets
- Changing facilities
- A drying room for groups
- A café with harbour views
- Space for local groups, families and visitors
- A small stage for performances and presentations
- A bookable meeting room
- A mezzanine level for gatherings and events
- 16 en-suite bedrooms that aim to support tourism in the local area
The interior has already had its carpets laid, walls painted and lighting fixtures fitted and is described as modern and industrial.
Over the next few months the building will undergo an interior fit out, which will see it filled with furnishings and purpose-built fittings to turn the space into a community hub.
It also boasts air-source underfloor heating and motion-sensor systems for lighting and ventilation throughout, as well as solar technology to support its power use.
The commissioners added that they have also strived to work with local suppliers where possible to deliver the fit-out.
Brooks of Whitehaven will supply the TVs and sound system in the centre while David Allen IT of Carlisle and Workington will handle the internet and phones.
Sealy in Wigton will provide beds and mattresses and Fidget Design in Windermere is leading on the building’s overall interior design.
The commissioners said they are also preparing to welcome the team who will run The Edge.
Osprey Management Group – who will manage the building day to day – will begin their own recruitment in May. They will be looking for night management, duty managers, housekeeping and general assistants.
Recruitment is also under way for a Community Activity Co-ordinator for the centre.
The commissioners added that for the most part it will not deliver coastal activities in house and instead it is hoped the space will be brought to life by local groups and organisers.
They added that The Edge is also designed to sustain itself and that all revenue from café sales to room bookings, will be reinvested into the building, its running costs, people, programming, and improvements.
The Edge has been funded mainly by Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme and the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
