"It is fantastic news that The Bus Station has been recognised at a national level in the RTPI awards for Planning Excellence. The repurposing of the art deco bus station has enabled the retention of a significant heritage asset on a key site in the town. It has also created a vibrant space where creativity, business and leisure can flourish together. To be selected in two categories alongside some major schemes in large urban areas across the country is testament to its success.”
Nick Hayhurst
Head of Planning, Cumberland Council
"The Bus Station is one of the impressive and successful projects in the NDA group social impact portfolio, and this development is a significant and welcome West Cumbrian success story, demonstrating the power of partnership working.”
Jamie Reed
Director of Socio Economics, NDA
"Our relationship with BEC started about six years ago when they had very ambitious plans to redevelop The Bus Station. We embarked on quite an incredible journey with them and The Peddler was founded. We came up with the name, the concept, the design, and the idea, working in partnership with BEC. We like to keep everything at the heart of the community, around 70 per cent of our food and drink produce is sourced locally.”
Craig Lowery
Director, Osprey Management Group
"The Bus Station is an example of our Sellafield SIx programme in action. Not only did it regenerate a derelict area of Whitehaven, but we built in an opportunity for local individuals and businesses to start, grow and thrive. We invested in growth for our local economy and we’re starting to see the real benefits. On a personal level and having been involved from the outset, I’m particularly proud of this project that sits within a programme of work that’s making a real difference in West Cumbria.”
Gary McKeating
Head of Development and Community, Sellafield Ltd
"LEVELS will be a transformative project for our community, equipping our young people to with the skills and ambition to grasp the limitless opportunities of the digital economy. I’m grateful to all the partners who continue to show that our impact is multiplied when we work together on the issues that matter to our communities.”
Eirini Etoimou
Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development, Sellafield Ltd
"The Revive programme will transform the old Focus Scaffolding building in Mirehouse into a vibrant community initiative dedicated to upcycling furniture and household items - something we are proud to help bring to life. As a local SME, working on projects that positively impact our community and wider area is always one of our top priorities. Revive improves local people’s skills, reduces social isolation, and addresses social, economic and health inequalities.”
William King
Managing Director, William King Construction Ltd
"The council and our third sector partners allocate substantial funds each year to support residents transitioning through the homelessness system or who are escaping domestic violence and setting up new homes. This is a costly endeavour, so having a facility like Revive, where individuals can access free or low-cost furniture, will make a significant difference.”
Julie Friend
Social Inclusion and Housing Team Leader
"The Revive furniture upcycling hub is a brilliant example of community-led regeneration. By transforming a space in one of our most deprived areas, it not only reduces waste and gives new life to furniture but also creates local jobs, training opportunities, and pride in place. Revive is proof that sustainable enterprise can unlock potential and deliver lasting benefits for our community.”
Josh MacAlister OBE MP
Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington
"It's been incredibly rewarding to be part of something that’s not only innovative but also deeply meaningful for the local community. To see the transformation from something derelict into a building that what will be modern, accessible, and built for the future – a true hub for creativity, technology, and connection.Seeing the transformation take shape through hard work and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and knowing this space will inspire the next generation of gamers, developers, and digital creators, has been one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever worked on. This isn’t just a building – it’s the start of a new chapter for Whitehaven.”
Andrew Rapmund
Associate Director
"LEVELS is a fantastic example of town centre regeneration – breathing new life into a Grade II listed building while opening up exciting opportunities for the future. By blending heritage with innovation, LEVELS is not only inspiring creativity and digital skills but also supporting new job creation and economic growth. It shows how our community can be both proud of its past and ambitious about its future, and I am proud to support it.”
Josh MacAlister OBE MP
Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington
"We welcome any plans that provide economic growth to our area. This is great news for Whitehaven and will bring a redundant building back into use, providing new training opportunities for future generations.”
Cllr Mark Fryer
Leader of Cumberland Council
"Redeveloping this listed building is another vital step in sustainably revitalising important local buildings to benefit the Whitehaven community. Following the successful transformation of The Bus Station, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with BEC and Summers Inman to design and deliver the Digital and Gaming Hub.”
Robin Stewart
Architect & Director, NORR
"We are delighted to be working with such a forward thinking and progressive organisation as BEC and it is a genuine pleasure to play a part in bringing such a valuable community asset to the region. We anticipate the digital learning and gaming facility to be greatly welcomed in Whitehaven and beyond.”
Andy Finn
Project Manager, Summers Inman
"Thomas Armstrong is thrilled to have been appointed principal contractor for this exciting new development in Whitehaven, which continues our long-standing relationship with BEC. The development will bring substantial benefits to the local community. The project will rejuvenate the town centre and breathe new life into the Grade II listed building.”
David Atkinson
Managing Director, Thomas Armstrong
