69-bed budget hotel set for Whitehaven as BEC progresses planning

Plans are being brought forward for a major new 69-bed hotel in the heart of Whitehaven, marking another significant investment proposal for the town.

The hotel is proposed for the former bus depot site on Bransty Row, which we own, opposite Wetherspoons, with the planning process now set to begin.

Once the planning application is submitted and if approved, the development would bring a major national hotel operator into the town centre, increasing Whitehaven’s visitor accommodation and supporting the local hospitality economy.

The proposals come just weeks after the launch of the new Whitehaven Masterplan, which sets out a long-term vision for regeneration, investment and growth across the town. We have appointed Carlisle-based Unwin Jones Partnership as architects and Savills as planning consultants to begin work immediately. 

The plans have been championed by Cumberland Council’s Leader, Mark Fryer. He said: “Working with partners, we are driving forward with investment and regeneration plans for Whitehaven. The Masterplan is a catalyst and will support the area's future development. 

“This is an exciting time for the town, and we look forward to seeing Whitehaven thrive.”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “This is exactly the kind of investment we want the Whitehaven Masterplan to unlock. The plan is about bringing underused sites back into use, attracting more people into the town centre and giving private investors the confidence to back Whitehaven’s future.

“A new 69-bed hotel on such a prominent site would support our shops, pubs and restaurants, strengthen the visitor economy and help us make more of Whitehaven’s position as the gateway to the western Lake District.

“There is real momentum building in the town now, and the challenge for all of us is to turn the ambitions in the Masterplan into visible investment and delivery.”

The hotel would add to growing momentum in Whitehaven following a number of significant regeneration projects and investments in recent years, including the transformation of the former bus station into a thriving business and hospitality destination and the opening of the £4.6 million LEVELS digital and immersive technology centre.

Our Chief Executive, Michael Pemberton, said: “We are delighted to announce yet another major vote of confidence in Whitehaven. This is exactly the type of private sector investment we want to see coming into the town. A 69-bed hotel operated by a nationally recognised brand would bring many more people into Whitehaven.

“The timing is significant too. We have just seen the publication of an ambitious new masterplan for Whitehaven, and there is a growing sense of momentum around the town. We have demonstrated through our developments such as The Bus Station and LEVELS what can happen when strong ideas, investment and delivery come together.

“Whitehaven has enormous potential. We need to continue creating the conditions that give investors confidence, bring vacant and underused sites back into productive use and ensure that wider economic growth translates into real benefits for the town centre.”

The site has long been identified as an important development opportunity within Whitehaven town centre and occupies a prominent position close to the harbour and existing hospitality businesses.