A £4.6 million gaming and education hub has officially opened in a Grade II-listed building in Whitehaven, marking a significant development for the Cumbrian town. Housed in the former Whittles building on Duke Street, the hub, named Levels, offers advanced e-sports setups, a flight simulator, and studio space, aiming to enhance digital skills and retain young talent in the area.
The establishment of this facility is seen as a strategic move to engage the local youth with technology, providing them with essential digital skills and career pathways. “It’s about providing not just entertainment, but an engagement with tech around awareness with digital skills [and] career pathways,” explained Ian Irving, managing director of Levels.
Revitalizing Whitehaven’s Heritage
The transformation of the long-vacant Whittles building is being hailed as a critical step in revitalizing Whitehaven. The building, which had been in decline for nearly two decades, now stands as a beacon of modernity and opportunity in the town. Gemma Leadbetter, a director at Levels, described the renovation as “transformational” for Whitehaven.
“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 stated. The hub’s prominent location ensures that it captures the attention of everyone passing through Whitehaven.
Fostering Digital Skills and Retention
The hub is not just a place for leisure; it is a cornerstone for educational advancement. Michael Pemberton of British Energy Coast (BEC), a key partner in the project, emphasized its educational purpose. “If young people want to come along and have a play, they absolutely can,” he noted. “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 are encouraged to incorporate visits to Levels into their curriculum, allowing students to interact with cutting-edge technology and fulfill parts of the national curriculum. This initiative not only enhances learning experiences but also prepares students for future technological landscapes.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The opening of Levels is a testament to Whitehaven’s commitment to embracing digital transformation while preserving its historical architecture. The project reflects a growing trend of integrating modern facilities into heritage sites, which can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and community development.
The hub’s impact on local employment and skills development is expected to be significant. By providing a space where young people can explore potential career paths in technology and gaming, Whitehaven hopes to curb the outmigration of its youth and stimulate local innovation.
As the town looks forward to the future, Levels stands as a symbol of progress and potential. The project not only breathes new life into a historic building but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.
With its doors now open, Levels is poised to become a central hub for both education and entertainment, offering a unique blend of history and modernity that promises to enrich the community for years to come.
