A £4.6 million gaming and education hub has officially opened in the historic town of Whitehaven, nestled inside a Grade II-listed building. The new facility, named Levels, is located in the former Whittles building on Duke Street and aims to enhance digital skills among local youth while breathing new life into the area.
Levels offers a variety of high-tech amenities, including e-sports setups for competitive gaming, a flight simulator, and a versatile studio space. The initiative is seen as a strategic effort to retain young talent in the region by equipping them with essential digital skills and career pathways.
A Vision for Digital Engagement and Retention
The development of Levels is a collaborative effort, with significant input from British Energy Coast (BEC). Michael Pemberton of BEC emphasized the hub’s inclusive nature, describing it as “a place for everyone.” He highlighted the facility’s dual purpose: providing entertainment and serving as a crucial educational resource.
“If young people want to come along and have a play, they absolutely can,” Pemberton stated. “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.”
Schools in the region are encouraged to utilize Levels to supplement the national curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Transforming a Historic Landmark
The transformation of the Whittles building, which had stood vacant for years, is seen as a pivotal moment for Whitehaven. Levels director Gemma Leadbetter described the project’s impact as “transformational” for the town, noting the building’s prominent location.
“The building’s been in decline for properly 20 years and it’s been a real challenge from a development point of view, but I think what we’ve done in terms of the facelift of this building is really transformational for the town,” Leadbetter said. “This is in a very high-visibility spot here. There’s not a vehicle that can drive through Whitehaven that doesn’t pass this.”
Historical Context and Future Implications
The opening of Levels marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalize Whitehaven’s economy and infrastructure. Historically, the town has faced challenges in retaining its younger population, often losing them to larger cities with more opportunities. This new hub aims to reverse that trend by providing both recreational and educational opportunities in a modern setting.
According to experts, such initiatives are crucial in smaller towns like Whitehaven, where economic diversification is essential for long-term sustainability. By investing in digital education and technology, communities can better prepare their workforce for the demands of the future economy.
As Levels opens its doors, the hope is that it will not only serve as a local attraction but also as a model for similar projects in other towns facing similar challenges. The success of this venture could pave the way for further developments in the region, fostering a new era of growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the launch of Levels is more than just the opening of a new facility; it represents a strategic investment in the future of Whitehaven and its residents. As the town embraces this new chapter, the focus will be on leveraging the hub’s resources to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
