A £4.6 million gaming and education hub has officially opened its doors in Whitehaven, breathing new life into the historic Grade II-listed Whittles building on Duke Street. The facility, named Levels, is designed to enhance digital skills and provide a modern space for both entertainment and education.
Levels offers a variety of high-tech setups, including e-sports stations for competitive gaming, a flight simulator, and a studio space. The initiative aims to engage young people in the area, equipping them with essential digital skills and career pathways in technology.
A New Era for Whitehaven
The opening of Levels marks a significant development for Whitehaven, a town that has seen its share of economic challenges. The hub is part of a strategic effort to retain young talent in the region by providing them with the skills necessary for future employment opportunities.
“It’s about providing not just entertainment, but an engagement with tech around awareness with digital skills [and] career pathways,” said Ian Irving, managing director of Levels. The facility is expected to become a cornerstone for digital education in the area.
Community and Educational Impact
The project, developed with the help of British Energy Coast (BEC), is described as a “place for everyone” by Michael Pemberton of BEC. He emphasized the hub’s dual role in both entertainment and education, highlighting its potential to transform the local community.
“If young people want to come along and have a play, they absolutely can. 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 integrate visits to Levels into their curriculum, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge technology and explore new career possibilities.
Revitalizing Historic Spaces
The transformation of the Whittles building, which had been vacant for years, is seen as a major achievement for the town. Gemma Leadbetter, 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,” she said.
Located in a prominent spot in Whitehaven, the newly revamped building is hard to miss. “There’s not a vehicle that can drive through Whitehaven that doesn’t pass this,” Leadbetter added, underscoring its visibility and importance.
Looking Ahead
The Levels hub represents a forward-thinking approach to community development, blending technology with education to prepare the next generation for a digital future. The project’s success could serve as a model for other towns seeking to revitalize historic spaces while addressing modern educational needs.
As the hub begins to welcome visitors, its impact on local youth and the broader community will be closely watched. The hope is that Levels will not only enhance digital literacy but also inspire a new wave of innovation and opportunity in Whitehaven.
With its doors now open, the Levels hub stands as a testament to the potential of combining heritage with modernity, offering a glimpse into the future of education and community engagement.
