A £4.6 million immersive entertainment and education centre has opened in West Cumbria today.
Levels, in Whitehaven, features immersive digital and gaming experiences, esports arena, cafe and interactive learning spaces.
Developed by social impact property developers BEC, it has been created with funding from Sellafield Ltd, BT, and BEC.
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “Levels is about real-world opportunity and the future. We wanted to create something bold that gives young people access to digital experiences and world-class technology while also breathing new life into Whitehaven town centre.
“Developed as part of our ongoing long-term commitment to regenerating Whitehaven, this opening marks yet another milestone in the town’s transformation.
“We are proud to see it unveiled and open its doors to the community. This is a huge celebratory moment for our team, partners and funders.”
Levels is in the former Whittles store on Duke Street.
Sellafield Ltd, through its Social Impact Multiplied scheme (SiX), contributed £3.3 million towards the development, with a further £800,000 from BT and £500,000 from BEC.
Tracey West, head of social impact at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The opening of Levels is a game-changer for West Cumbria for so many reasons.
“It represents the three key objectives of our social impact strategy in one project: improving access to sustainable incomes, enabling a resilient economy, and creating a thriving community.
“The building will be our area’s gateway into the rapidly growing digital sector. It will be a truly inspiring place where people can build skills, create connections, and explore their creativity.
“The stunning refurbishment of the building has brought it back to life and hugely improved the streetscape in a key area of the town.
“Congratulations to BEC and their contractors for bringing the vision to life.”
Jamie Reed, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority director of socio-economics, said: “We take our responsibilities to the communities we work in extremely seriously.
“Working with and through our operating companies, we continue to make a real difference in our communities, working with partners on projects designed to drive economic growth and diversity.
“Levels is a fantastic accomplishment by BEC, with brilliant support from Sellafield Ltd and BT, and we’re ambitious to continue to deliver more progress in the future.”
BEC said Levels was expected to play a key role in encouraging interest in digital, technology and creative careers, while supporting wider regeneration and helping to reposition Whitehaven as a town investing in its future.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is great news for Whitehaven and the wider Cumberland area.
“It supports wider plans to support growth, skills and the local economy in our area. It has brought back to life a redundant building and will provide new training opportunities for future generations.”
