Whitehaven's £6.1 million Bus Station celebrates five years of success

Hundreds of people came together this week to celebrate five years of The Bus Station, one of Whitehaven's most successful regeneration projects.

Since opening in 2021, The Bus Station has become a thriving hub for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives, developed by us here at BEC with investment from Sellafield Ltd through its Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme.

The £6.1 million development transformed a derelict bus station into a modern business and hospitality destination in the town centre. 

It is now home to a growing business community, co-working facilities, private offices, meeting rooms and The Peddler, a popular 120-seat restaurant.

Designed to support ambitious start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs across Cumbria, the building provides around 7,700 sq ft of flexible workspace alongside specialist facilities including laser cutters, 3D printers and electronics stations.

Guests attending the anniversary open day were given the opportunity to explore the building, meet resident businesses and learn more about the impact the development has had on Whitehaven and the wider area over the past five years. The Peddler also put on a spread for guests to enjoy.

Over the past five years, The Bus Station has delivered significant social and economic value, generating more than £350,000 in annual local spend, creating over 80 jobs and ensuring 70 per cent of construction expenditure was spent within the local supply chain.

Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said: "Five years ago, we set out to create something that would help bring new energy, opportunity and investment into Whitehaven town centre.

"The Bus Station is home to a fantastic community of businesses and entrepreneurs, many of whom have grown alongside the building itself. It's become a place where people can collaborate, innovate and build successful businesses right here in West Cumbria.

"What makes this project special is the impact it continues to have beyond the building. The jobs created, the businesses supported, and the opportunities generated are all helping to strengthen the local economy.

"It was fantastic to see so many people join us to celebrate this milestone and reflect on what has been achieved over the past five years."

Euan Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of Sellafield Ltd, said: “As we celebrate five years of the Bus Station, it’s inspiring to see how this facility has grown into a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration and community. 

“From the outset, Sellafield Ltd was proud to support its creation through our SIX strategy, working alongside partners including Barclays Eagle Labs and BEC, to invest in opportunities that help local people and businesses thrive. 

“This anniversary is not just a milestone for a building, but a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to unlock potential and drive sustainable growth across our region.”

The Bus Station forms part of our wider commitment to delivering place-based economic development across West Cumbria, creating spaces that support business growth, encourage innovation and bring long-term benefits to local communities.