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WHITEHAVEN | Regeneration & Harbour Redevelopment | Various | U/C

30K views 132 replies 6 participants last post by  madannie 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Whitehaven News ran a story about the £10m redevelopment of the Whitehaven waterfront to replace Mark House offices and The Park nighclub based in a former sandstone swimming baths. Developers Magnus Homes has held a competition (with 139 entrants from all over the world) to design the scheme. These have been narrowed down to 5 designs which will be displayed between Nov 6-12 with public views invited.







Here is a brief description of the 5 schemes from the Whitehaven News (who did not list the architects responsible for each design)

Scheme 4:
demolition of old swimming baths, cluster of appartments in seperate buildingsof different heights with ground floor office accomodation

Scheme 20:
Retains baths, extends sandstone as plinth with appartments above

Scheme 66:
Retains baths as entrance to offices. Covered walkway on strand street

Scheme 69:
Retains baths, roof level rises towards Pears House at one end. Also has a walkway onto strand street

Scheme 77:
Retains baths and uses similar 'sandstone coloured material'. Offices on strand street with walkway.


Original press release 14/07/2010:

Designs sought for £10m harbour plan
By Alan Cleaver
http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/ne...arbour-plan-1.733521?referrerPath=home/2.2837

A COMPETITION has been launched to design a £10million luxury apartment and office development on the site of Mark House and the former Park nightclub in Whitehaven.
The Mark House part of the siteBritain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria and Magnus Homes has launched the International Open Design competition for the sensitive harbourside site.




The competition is being organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects with the support of Places Matter!, the architecture centre for the Northwest. A RIBA spokesman said: “The winning scheme for luxury residential apartments and office accommodation will need to set a benchmark for creative, contextual design and achieve a sustainable development of long-lasting architectural quality.” Sherrie Robinson, project manager for Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria, said: “Whitehaven is a Georgian gem which boasts superb architecture and unique character. The development of the town and harbourside is a key element of the Britain’s Energy Coast regeneration initiative, and we will be looking for designs that demonstrate the town’s ambitions for the future while at the same time being sympathetic to its rich heritage.”

The submissions will be put on display and themes arising from the exhibition will be made available to the judging panel, which will consist of representatives from Energy Coast West Cumbria, Copeland Council, Magnus Homes, RIBA, Places Matter! and the Harbour Commissioners. Teams are being asked to design a mixed-use development of luxury apartments and offices. The competition is open internationally to architect-led design teams, as well as architectural students.

Further details from www.riba-whitehavencentralsite.org.uk
 
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#34 ·
'Retain historic part of bus station' - plea

^^

It didn't take long for someone to make a plea regarding Whitehaven Bus Station. Not surprising, perhaps, as it was opened in the early 1930s and was only the second purpose-built covered bus station in the country.

I am not sure how the facade could be retained within the proposed apartment block.

from The Whitehaven News, 02-05-2016

THE historic frontage of Whitehaven's former bus station should be retained if it is converted into an apartment block, it has been claimed.


Historic: Whitehaven bus station

Muir Lachlan, who worked in the construction industry for his whole career, says he is "absolutely opposed" to the demolition of the entire bus station building to make way for a 47-apartment block due to its architectural significance.

"There's no doubt the site needs to be developed, but the beautiful facade merits being retained; it's part of Whitehaven's heritage and should have been listed as a protected building."

Mr Lachlan, of Ennerdale Bridge, said the brickwork of the bus station, built in 1932, was highly regarded in the industry. One of only two covered bus stations in the country when it opened, it closed amid a public outcry in 2002.

"The curvature of the brickwork is particularly skilled, and bricklaying apprentices used to visit the bus station to study its workmanship. It's a work of art and would be an enormous loss to the town if it goes."

Mr Lachlan was speaking as the public was invited to view proposals for the derelict bus station development, and the building of a 144-room hotel on the former bus depot site opposite.
Full story at http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/new...-plea-7b0d28c3-9794-4bd0-b3ac-4d3b14cdf444-ds
 
#35 ·
This from the News & Star,--

800-space multi-storey car park planned for town centre



20 May 2016 10:06AM

A new multi-storey car park with up to 800 spaces could be built in Whitehaven town centre.

Land between Tesco supermarket and the North Shore has been earmarked for the ambitious development. If it goes ahead, it would be available to the public and for users of both the hotel and apartment building planned for the harbourside.

Pat Graham, Copeland Council's managing director, revealed the plans at a public meeting in Mirehouse, Whitehaven, on Wednesday. She said that although plans are at an early stage, funding options are being discussed between and council and landowner Britain's Energy Coast (BEC).

Last month, BEC was granted planning permission for a 203-space ground level car park on the site, and it is hoped that the plans can be expanded into a multi-storey facility.

Mrs Graham said: "Whitehaven is a wonderful, historic town but it is highly constrained in terms of parking. We want to grow the town and bring more footfall here, but we know we cannot do that without addressing the parking on a long-term basis."

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/8...entre-270afe37-0a25-4454-b622-d09af297a33d-ds
 
#36 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Demolition set to begin on eyesore harbourside buildings



Work has finally started towards the demolition of a Whitehaven harbourside eyesore.

Contractors arrived on site at the derelict Mark House and The Park nightclub yesterday to clear the area ahead of the bulldozers moving in.

Copeland council's planners gave the go-ahead in March for the demolition of the two buildings that have been widely described as an eyesore in the decade since they closed.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie, who had the site on top of the council's hit-list for grotspot buildings, welcomed the progress.

He said: "It's been a long and arduous process but work commencing it is a very positive step in the right direction.

"There is a clear determination that dilapidated buildings and grotspots will be pursued and addressed as part of the town centre regeneration programme."

Mark House, a former revenue and benefits office, closed in 2004, and The Park had its last night on New Year's Eve 2005.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/D...dings-b377ceff-a8ae-4c65-9c23-cf3d87cb1d4a-ds
 
#37 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Quay to open for the first time since Second World War



new £320,000 scheme is set to transform a derelict part of Whitehaven’s harbourside.

The redevelopment of the Old New Quay will open up the area, allowing public access for the first time since the Second World War.

Work is due to begin in June and will see the demolition of the former Whitehaven Sea Cadets’ building, and the installation of contemporary seating.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/Q...d-War-c52aad44-9d06-499c-8f4e-973a8a1dfe92-ds
 
#38 ·
Still only a proposed development. The old bus depot closed in 1992 and the site has been empty for some time. The bus station closed in 2002 and the building has lain vacant ever since, so it is about time something was done with the sites.

Full story with some preliminary plans & drawings at http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/new...-jobs-6c719045-6135-4743-a4a5-89c688cbdb5f-ds
It all went very quiet regarding this proposal from over a year ago, not helped by the local council not having online access to planning applications, but there is a report in the local rag about the plans:

From the Whitehaven News

"Visit before decision on Whitehaven bus station plan



Councillors want to visit a historic bus station before deciding whether to flatten it to make way for dozens of homes.

Britain’s Energy Coast has applied to demolish the 1930s facade in Whitehaven and build 48 homes on the site.

And at a Copeland planning panel meeting last week, members decided to visit the site before discussing the application.

There has been a public backlash from many disappointed residents who wanted to historic building to remain."


Full story at http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/new...-plan-e8473454-8bb0-452b-9ec2-1a28a31f37ab-ds
 
#39 ·
This from the News & Star,--

New 1,000 jobs hope in Whitehaven harbour hotel bid



More than 1,000 jobs could be brought to Whitehaven when its proposed new multi-million-pound hotel and apartment complex goes ahead.

The North Shore scheme aims to transform the former bus depot site and the derelict bus station opposite into offices, a hotel and leisure and residential spaces.

Landowner Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) expects the jobs to be created during the development of the site and once it is operating.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/N...l-bid-e302d12e-f2ad-4e09-9707-e76c1264b92c-ds
 
#40 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Apartments to be built on former bus station site as part of major scheme




Apartments to be built on former bus station site as part of major scheme

Whitehaven Bus Station

Exciting plans which will help transform Whitehaven and bring more than 1,000 jobs to the town have been approved.

The first phase of a proposed multi-million-pound hotel and apartment complex has been agreed by Copeland's planners this afternoon.

The North Shore scheme aims to transform the derelict bus station and the former bus depot site into offices, a hotel and leisure and residential spaces.
This afternoon's meeting focused on the old bus station, which has stood empty for a number for a number of years.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/A...cheme-753024d4-d5e4-4532-808a-019324fa9821-ds
 
#41 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Buildings torn down as part of West Cumbrian town's regeneration




Buildings torn down as part of West Cumbrian town's regeneration


The Sea Cadets building on Whitehaven's harbour has finally been flattened – leaving the unit officially homeless.

The building on Old New Quay was severely damaged when Storm Xavier attacked with massive waves and 100mph winds in December 2013.

The following year the listed building was yet again struck by treacherous weather, this time leaving it beyond economic repair.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/B...ation-ca3b3620-72b6-4eae-8489-e65fe0a5f32a-ds
 
#42 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Whitehaven harbourside offices plan for Mark House
Newly-demolished site bought by Britain’s Energy Coast




Major plans to transform Whitehaven's harbourside have taken a huge step forward with the purchase of the former Mark House site.

Britain’s Energy Coast has bought the site – which includes the former Park nightclub – and aims to build a 100,000 square foot development, providing harbour front office space for over 500 people.

Demolition work on the two sites began in July and was completed last month.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/W...House-c618e663-947e-48dd-b154-4db2aae854d2-ds
 
#43 ·
This from the News & Star,--



£300m Whitehaven North Shore scheme revealed
BEC spearheading major project, including £3.1m revamp of Whitehaven Bus Station



North ShoreBECCopeland CouncilWhitehaven Harbour Commissioners
£300m Whitehaven North Shore scheme revealed
BEC spearheading major project, including £3.1m revamp of Whitehaven Bus Station
SHARE THIS STORY
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Details of a £300 million scheme to breathe new life into Whitehaven have been revealed.

Work is due to start this year on the ambitious North Shore project, which aims to stimulate investment in the town and revitalise it.

It includes:

A £3.1 million bus station revamp
A multi-storey car park
A five-storey office complex
A four-star hotel


Read more
 
#44 ·
#45 ·
This from the News & Star,--



Whitehaven's North Shore scheme aims to be green


Energy advisors appointed to help it be a sustainable development

Whitehaven's North Shore scheme aims to be green
Energy advisors appointed to help it be a sustainable development

Property developers BEC is a step nearer to delivering a landmark eco-building scheme in West Cumbria.

The North Shore project would turn Whitehaven’s harbour front into a sustainable development that strives to be zero net carbon.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/b...green-2db433f6-0e15-486d-9a4d-a720d4301218-ds
 
#46 ·
November 1st 2010.

The Whitehaven News ran a story about the £10m redevelopment of the Whitehaven waterfront to replace Mark House offices and The Park nighclub based in a former sandstone swimming baths. Developers Magnus Homes has held a competition (with 139 entrants from all over the world) to design the scheme. These have been narrowed down to 5 designs which will be displayed between Nov 6-12 with public views invited.







Here is a brief description of the 5 schemes from the Whitehaven News (who did not list the architects responsible for each design)

Scheme 4:
demolition of old swimming baths, cluster of appartments in seperate buildingsof different heights with ground floor office accomodation

Scheme 20:
Retains baths, extends sandstone as plinth with appartments above

Scheme 66:
Retains baths as entrance to offices. Covered walkway on strand street

Scheme 69:
Retains baths, roof level rises towards Pears House at one end. Also has a walkway onto strand street

Scheme 77:
Retains baths and uses similar 'sandstone coloured material'. Offices on strand street with walkway.


Original press release 14/07/2010:

Designs sought for £10m harbour plan
By Alan Cleaver
http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/ne...arbour-plan-1.733521?referrerPath=home/2.2837

A COMPETITION has been launched to design a £10million luxury apartment and office development on the site of Mark House and the former Park nightclub in Whitehaven.
The Mark House part of the siteBritain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria and Magnus Homes has launched the International Open Design competition for the sensitive harbourside site.




The competition is being organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects with the support of Places Matter!, the architecture centre for the Northwest. A RIBA spokesman said: “The winning scheme for luxury residential apartments and office accommodation will need to set a benchmark for creative, contextual design and achieve a sustainable development of long-lasting architectural quality.” Sherrie Robinson, project manager for Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria, said: “Whitehaven is a Georgian gem which boasts superb architecture and unique character. The development of the town and harbourside is a key element of the Britain’s Energy Coast regeneration initiative, and we will be looking for designs that demonstrate the town’s ambitions for the future while at the same time being sympathetic to its rich heritage.”

The submissions will be put on display and themes arising from the exhibition will be made available to the judging panel, which will consist of representatives from Energy Coast West Cumbria, Copeland Council, Magnus Homes, RIBA, Places Matter! and the Harbour Commissioners. Teams are being asked to design a mixed-use development of luxury apartments and offices. The competition is open internationally to architect-led design teams, as well as architectural students.

Further details from www.riba-whitehavencentralsite.org.uk
Many years on, does anyone know if there is any sign of this specific project coming to fruition?

Or, has it been cancelled?
 
#47 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Plans for £3 million coastal activity centre take step forward


PLANS to build a unique £3 million facility for the local community at Whitehaven’s harbour are taking a step forward.

An application to build the Cumbria Coastal Activity centre has been submitted to Copeland council’s planning panel by the community interest company behind the project.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...on-coastal-activity-centre-take-step-forward/
 
#48 ·
^^

The missing link to the rather detailed News and Star report:

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/b...ealed-db566ba0-eb52-4f92-85eb-b8390bb8d88b-ds

And the North Shore website, which promises more detail and regular updates as/when/if the project progresses:

https://becnorthshore.com

I am pleased that the facade of the old Bus Station is being retained as it was one of the earliest purpose-built bus stations in the country.
Whilst looking for something else I came across this news item on the BEC website, dated October 2018. As far as I can tell no mention of the planning permission being approved was made in the local rags, and as Copeland Council has no online planning portal I did not know about it.

Buzz Station Approved

The Buzz Station is a £4.1m development that will open at the end of 2019. Sellafield Ltd is supporting the Buzz Station with strategic support and £2.6m investment.

The Buzz Station will combine flexible working space, wellbeing facilities and artisan food offerings to become a cutting-edge home of innovation, disruption and imagination at Whitehaven’s North Shore. It opened for expressions of interest in August.

The North Shore scheme is being brought forward by BEC, with the help of partners including Copeland Borough Council and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.
Full news item at https://becnorthshore.com/buzz-station-approved/
 
#49 ·
Whilst looking for something else wrt Whitehaven I came across the BEC North Shore website which details plans for Whitehaven. Amongst the proposals are a 5 storey office building on the site of Mark House, so I guess that the redevelopment discussed in this thread is well and truly dead.

Mark House has been demolished and, according to the North Shore website (from December 2018) the site is being used as a car park until the office block is developed.

I really must get myself down to the west coast of Cumbria to see what is going on; it has been far too long since I was down that way.
 
#51 ·
Thanks madannie,

As you say, the original proposals are not going to happen, but as this Project Thread Title is "Whitehaven Harbour Redevelopment", and as it was always about what was to replace Mark House (the new housing originally) it seems logical to continue the thread to cover the new Office Block that will instead replace Mark House.

What do you think?
 
#50 · (Edited)
More Whitehaven plans, this time for a "coastal activity centre" by the harbour. Plenty of detail in the Whitehaven News report and it sounds rather interesting. I particularly like the mention of a gallery space to show works by Percy Kelly, a local artist who is rather belatedly getting the recognition he is due.

From the Whitehaven News:

Plans for £3 million coastal activity centre take step forward

An application to build the Cumbria Coastal Activity centre has been submitted to Copeland council’s planning panel by the community interest company behind the project.

The building, which will be characterised by an innovative and distinctive design inspired by local sandstone blocks, would be aerodynamic, sustainable and built with materials sympathetic to the area.

Facilities would include a new slipway, ten rooms for overnight accommodation, changing facilities and multi-purpose rooms to be used for training courses, performances and other activities.


Full story at https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/ne...on-coastal-activity-centre-take-step-forward/
 
#55 ·
Plans "moving forward" according to the Whitehaven News, which apparently means the council planning committee voting to make a site visit before deciding on the application.

From the Whitehaven News:

Plans move forward for harbour's £3m coastal activity centre

Councillors have agreed to undertake a site visit before reaching a crunch decision on the building of a £3m coastal activity centre in Whitehaven.

The scale of the project as well as its setting within the conservation area, harbour zone and Whitehaven Old Fort Scheduled monument raises some “complex” heritage issues, according to planning chiefs.

Copeland’s planning panel voted unanimously to visit the area earmarked for the three-storey harbourside development at Wellington Park, West Strand, to gain a better understanding of the issues.
Full story at https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/ne...ward-for-harbours-3m-coastal-activity-centre/
 
#54 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Work to start on £4.1m Buzz Station this month


Work to transform Whitehaven’s bus station into a £4.1 million creative hub will start this month.

Property company BEC, which is behind the scheme, has announced that Flimby firm Thomas Armstrong will lead the transformation of the building into the Buzz Station, a hothouse for start-ups and cafe-bar.

It will also be responsible for creating the £1.1m Watershed – an office extension in the former bus station offices next door.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/17655773.work-to-start-on-41m-buzz-station-this-month/
 
#69 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Work to start on £4.1m Buzz Station this month

Work to transform Whitehaven’s bus station into a £4.1 million creative hub will start this month.

Property company BEC, which is behind the scheme, has announced that Flimby firm Thomas Armstrong will lead the transformation of the building into the Buzz Station, a hothouse for start-ups and cafe-bar.

It will also be responsible for creating the £1.1m Watershed – an office extension in the former bus station offices next door.

Read more Work to start on £4.1m Buzz Station this month
The Whitehaven News is reporting that The Buzz Station is expected to open in March 2021. There is nothing about this on the BEC website as of yet:

Whitehaven’s £5million Buzz Station development is expected to be completed by the third week of March.

The news this week will bring relief to businesses and residents who have faced months of traffic chaos because of the building works at the old bus station and highway improvements.

The Buzz Station development is owned by BEC but is being built in partnership with Sellafield.
It will supply modern, flexible workspaces where leases and rentals will reflect the needs of small businesses with help and support for entrepreneurs and new ventures.

The dining area on the ground floor, the spectacular Peddler bar and cafe will be the champion of all things local. Diners will surround a large tree highlighting local goods and art.


Full story at Buzz Station is set to be opened next March
 
#53 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Work to start on £4.1m Buzz Station this month


Work to transform Whitehaven’s bus station into a £4.1 million creative hub will start this month.

Property company BEC, which is behind the scheme, has announced that Flimby firm Thomas Armstrong will lead the transformation of the building into the Buzz Station, a hothouse for start-ups and cafe-bar.

It will also be responsible for creating the £1.1m Watershed – an office extension in the former bus station offices next door.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/17655773.work-to-start-on-41m-buzz-station-this-month/
 
#57 ·
This from the News & Star,--


‘Game-changing’ plans for Whitehaven Harbour


Plans for Whitehaven Harbour are in their final stages of preparation, with the team almost ready to submit their plans to the council for permission to start creating their masterpiece.

The North Shore scheme, run by Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC), will see Whitehaven’s harbour transformed, with a four-star hotel, a modern office building, food and drink offerings, a buzzing innovation centre and much more being added to the town’s marina after two years’ planning.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/17857804.game-changing-plans-whitehaven-harbour/
 
#60 ·
Ambitious plans are afoot for Whitehaven town centre, according to the Whitehaven News:

"Plans being drawn-up to rejuvenate Whitehaven town centre

AN ambitious vision to “modernise” Whitehaven in a bid to attract more young professionals to live and work in the town is now taking shape.

Ideas on the table include the creation of a catering school, the repair of dilapidated historic buildings and improving the appearance of the harbour area.

Regeneration chiefs are also looking into the possibility of developing an “augmented reality” including holograms projected in the street – and interactive information on the town’s heritage beamed through to people’s mobile phones.

Among the ideas mooted are the development of community-led housing co-op for young professionals, a parking improvement overhaul and the creation of a youth and cultural centre in the heart of the town."
Full story with lots of details of the plans at https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/17957295.plans-drawn-up-rejuvenate-whitehaven-town-centre/
 
#61 ·
Ambitious plans are afoot for Whitehaven town centre, according to the Whitehaven News:

"Plans being drawn-up to rejuvenate Whitehaven town centre

AN ambitious vision to “modernise” Whitehaven in a bid to attract more young professionals to live and work in the town is now taking shape.

Ideas on the table include the creation of a catering school, the repair of dilapidated historic buildings and improving the appearance of the harbour area.

Regeneration chiefs are also looking into the possibility of developing an “augmented reality” including holograms projected in the street – and interactive information on the town’s heritage beamed through to people’s mobile phones.

Among the ideas mooted are the development of community-led housing co-op for young professionals, a parking improvement overhaul and the creation of a youth and cultural centre in the heart of the town."


Full story with lots of details of the plans at https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/17957295.plans-drawn-up-rejuvenate-whitehaven-town-centre/
I think this story in In Cumbria is related to the above, as it concerns the Future High Street Fund mentioned in the earlier news item. It seems to be mainly about getting more money to develop a bid for much more money:

Bid to boost Whitehaven gathers pace

Ambitious plans to attract millions of pounds-worth of investment into Whitehaven have moved a step closer this week as Copeland council’s bid for Government cash gathers pace.

The authority has now received £150,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help develop their plans to secure a multi-million investment through the Future High Street Fund.

But to give their bid the best possible chance of success, the executive this week agreed that they would seek another £50,000.

And should further funding be offered, councillors will seek approval from full council for the receipt and spending of up £350,000 for individual business plans to underpin the bid.
Full story at https://www.in-cumbria.com/news/18018178.bid-boost-whitehaven-gathers-pace/
 
#62 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Whitehaven Town Centre 'eyesore' to be given new life


Traders have spoken of their relief after an eyesore building, which has blighted their town for more than a year, looks set to be given a new lease of life.

Whitehaven Town Centre saw John Whittle & Son Ltd close down back in September 2018 after serving the community for over 150 years.

The building has since become "an absolute eyesore" and "a blot on the landscape" according to surrounding businesses

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18104741.whitehaven-town-centre-eyesore-given-new-life/
 
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