Hundreds of people attended an event to share their views about how Whitehaven could grow and thrive in the future.
People were given the opportunity to have their say at public drop-in event, organised by Cumberland Council, yesterday, Tuesday August 5, at the United Reformed Church.
A masterplan is being developed for the town and the event was the first chance for people to find out more about the process and have a say.
Deputy leader of Cumberland Council, Emma Williamson, has been leading on the development of the masterplan.
She said: “Thanks to everyone that took time to come along to the event. We need and want the input from local residents and businesses to help our town thrive in the future.
“The vision and masterplan for the future of Whitehaven town centre will help us shape the future of the town.
“We’ve already made some positive steps to improve the town centre but now it’s time to plan a clear timeline to turn local priorities into action.
“It’s not just about buildings or infrastructure, but about community, belonging, and a sense of pride in Whitehaven.”
An online questionnaire is still available for anyone that would like to take part in the consultation.
It is available until Tuesday August 19 at https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/have-your-say-on-whitehaven-s-future
Cumberland Council said the Whitehaven Masterplan would set a bold, strategic direction for the town’s future.
With the involvement of the town’s residents and businesses, and the council said it was particularly interested in understanding how to:
- Make even more of the harbour as an asset for the town
- Enhance and make the most of public spaces
- Revitalising the historic centre, reasons to visit it and to support business growth
The aim is to create a thriving, sustainable Whitehaven that celebrates its history while embracing a dynamic future, it said.
It said the masterplan would:
Whitehaven Masterplan will:
• Set out the case for investment in Whitehaven to support economic growth and the ambitions of the town and region
• Identify how we connect the harbour and town centre and improve transport management and access
• Support the redevelopment of our heritage assets, with a particular focus on King Street
• Establish a set of investment opportunities to support local priorities
• Set out a ‘quick win’ programme of deliverable activities that will support the activation and attractiveness, vitality and use of the town centre, including the role of partners and partnership in achieving this
Since Cumberland Council was established in 2023 more than £2.45 million funding has been invested in Whitehaven through Cumberland Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Copeland Community Fund and Sellafield Social Impact funding, it added.
Following the first event and the online consultation responses, the council will then review the comments, it said. Further engagement activity is planned in the autumn.
