The Edge, Whitehaven’s new £5 million landmark facility on the harbourside, has opened to locals, visitors and adventurers.

Located on the site of the old Wellington Inn, on the town’s historic harbour, this new three-storey, unique building offers a stunning blend of coastal charm and modern design.

Funded by the UK Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme, The Edge reflects a shared commitment to West Cumbria’s future.

The Edge is owned by Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC), a not-for-profit organisation that manages and maintains the harbour and its environs for the benefit of all, and operated by local hospitality specialists Osprey Management Group.

Inside are 16 en-suite bedrooms with harbour views, all now available to be booked; a vibrant café and mezzanine bar area.

The bar will welcome guests, without the need to book, between 10am and 9pm for food, with drinks served until 11pm; publicly accessible toilets; flexible meeting rooms, changing and drying facilities; and a small stage, ideal for acoustic performances. 

Osprey will run the hospitality, accommodation and associated operations, while WHC will work with independent specialists and organisations to offer a range of watersports and cultural and community activities.

Craig Lowery, managing director of Osprey, said: “The Edge is an exciting and unique project in a wonderful location, literally on the edge of the harbour.

“The hotel provides 16 rooms all with wonderful views, plus café and meeting facilities.

“We are proud to be involved in this unique and exciting project which we are sure will benefit the visitor economy and the people of West Cumbria.

“We are looking forward to continuing our commitment to provide job opportunities to local people and also welcoming guests to The Edge.”

The Edge stands as a testament to resilience and regeneration.

From the devastating storm damaged old structures and parts of the harbour emerged a bold vision: to reconnect the harbour with the community and visitors.

During 2020, a new slipway was completed, but progress to the main build was delayed significantly by the global Covid-19 pandemic and associated knock-on effects, and further disrupted by Storm Desmond.

Through it all, the vision endured, and the project stayed true to its original purpose of helping to attract visitors, boost the economy and provide a valuable resource for residents.

Deanne Shallcross, chief executive of WHC, said: “It’s been a long time coming but it feels amazing to finally open the doors to the public and to hear such positive reactions from the first groups of users.

“With Osprey as the main operator, and by working with various activity specialists, our aim is to build a financially sustainable centre with long-term social, economic and health benefits for the local area and beyond.”

Designed by Manchester-based architectural practice Northmill Associates to look like a piece of sandstone washed up on the harbour in high seas, The Edge was built by Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd.

To bring it to life commercially after the original proposed operator revisited its priorities and withdrew its interest, Osprey stepped up with energy, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to steer the building’s operations toward success.

Stuart McCourt, Sellafield Ltd’s social impact manager, said: “We’re excited to see The Edge open, it will be a real asset to the community.

“The project matched well against two of our social impact objectives. It helps to create ‘resilient economies’ by attracting visitors into the area and increasing the footfall for local business.

“From a ‘thriving communities’ perspective, the facility will give opportunities to local residents without the need to travel out of the area.”