A £4.6 million gaming and education hub has officially opened in Whitehaven, breathing new life into the historic Grade II-listed Whittles building on Duke Street. Known as Levels, this innovative center offers a range of high-tech facilities including e-sports setups, a flight simulator, and studio space, aiming to enhance digital skills and retain young talent in the Cumbrian town.
The project, which has been in development for several years, seeks to address the growing demand for digital literacy and career pathways in technology. “It’s about providing not just entertainment, but an engagement with tech around awareness with digital skills [and] career pathways,” stated Ian Irving, managing director of Levels.
Community and Educational Impact
The hub, described as a “place for everyone” by Michael Pemberton of British Energy Coast (BEC), aims to serve as a community cornerstone. BEC played a crucial role in the development of the project, emphasizing its potential to skill young people for future opportunities and to keep them rooted in the area.
“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.”
Schools are encouraged to utilize the center to complement the national curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. This integration of education and technology is seen as a pivotal step in preparing students for the digital economy.
Revitalizing Whitehaven
The transformation of the Whittles building, which had stood vacant for years, marks a significant milestone for Whitehaven. Levels director Gemma Leadbetter highlighted the impact of the building’s renovation, describing it 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,” Leadbetter remarked. “But I think what we’ve done in terms of the facelift of this building is really transformational for the town.”
Located in a prominent area, the revitalized building is set to become a landmark in Whitehaven, visible to all who pass through the town. “There’s not a vehicle that can drive through Whitehaven that doesn’t pass this,” Leadbetter noted, underscoring the building’s strategic position.
Looking Ahead
The opening of Levels represents a broader trend of integrating technology and education to meet future workforce demands. As digital skills become increasingly essential, facilities like Levels could serve as models for other towns aiming to retain young talent and revitalize historic sites.
Meanwhile, the success of Levels will likely be measured by its ability to engage the community, provide valuable educational experiences, and foster a new generation of tech-savvy individuals. As Whitehaven embraces this new chapter, the town stands poised to become a hub of innovation and opportunity.
The initiative not only preserves a piece of Whitehaven’s architectural heritage but also positions the town as a forward-thinking community ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
