A £4.6 million gaming and education hub has officially opened in the historic town of Whitehaven, breathing new life into the Grade II-listed Whittles building on Duke Street. This innovative facility, named Levels, aims to enhance digital skills and retain young talent within the Cumbrian community.
Levels offers a variety of cutting-edge resources, including e-sports setups for competitive gaming, a flight simulator, and a versatile studio space. The hub’s opening marks a significant step towards fostering technological engagement and career development among the youth in the area.
Transforming a Historic Landmark
The transformation of the once-neglected Whittles building into a vibrant center for education and entertainment is seen as a pivotal moment for Whitehaven. Gemma Leadbetter, a director at Levels, described the renovation as “transformational” for the town, noting the building’s decline over the past two decades.
“The building’s been in decline for properly 20 years and it’s been a real challenge from a development point of view,” Leadbetter commented. “But I think what we’ve done in terms of the facelift of this building is really transformational for the town.”
Located in a high-visibility area, the revamped building is now a prominent fixture in Whitehaven, capturing the attention of every vehicle passing through the town.
Empowering the Next Generation
The hub is not just about entertainment; it serves a broader purpose of equipping young people with essential digital skills. Ian Irving, managing director of Levels, emphasized the center’s role in providing engagement with technology and awareness of digital career pathways.
“It’s about providing not just entertainment, but an engagement with tech around awareness with digital skills [and] career pathways,” said Levels managing director Ian Irving.
Michael Pemberton from British Energy Coast (BEC), a key partner in the project’s development, echoed this sentiment. He stated that the facility is designed to be inclusive, offering opportunities for young people to explore and develop skills necessary for future careers.
“If young people want to come along and have a play, they absolutely can,” Pemberton added. “But the reason for this facility’s existence is to be able to take young people and skill them in what needs to be in place for the future and to retain young people in this area.”
Educational Integration and Community Impact
In addition to its recreational offerings, the hub provides educational opportunities that align with the national curriculum. Schools are encouraged to bring students to the center, allowing them to engage with technology in a practical setting.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate digital education into the community, ensuring that local students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. The hub’s presence is expected to have a lasting positive impact on Whitehaven, both economically and socially.
The opening of Levels represents a significant investment in the future of Whitehaven, aiming to create a sustainable model for community development that other towns might emulate. As the hub begins to welcome visitors, its success could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the UK.
As Whitehaven embraces this new chapter, the community remains optimistic about the potential benefits. The Levels hub not only preserves a piece of the town’s architectural heritage but also paves the way for a digitally empowered future.
