Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has said that Whitehaven’s regeneration will not ‘gather dust on a shelf’ as town Masterplan has been revealed.

The masterplan, developed through extensive engagement with residents, businesses and partners, sets out a long-term vision for the West Cumbrian town.

As co-chairs of the Whitehaven Town Centre Board, Josh and Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Emma Williamson, have led work over the past year to bring together local partners behind a shared vision for the town.

Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister said: “Far too many regeneration strategies end up gathering dust on a shelf.

“That will not happen here.”

“The Town Centre Board’s role now changes. I want it to become a partnership to drive projects forward, removing barriers and keeping momentum going.

“Residents quite rightly expect action as well as ambition, and that’s exactly what we’ll be focused on over the months and years ahead.”

It is designed to be delivered in phases, beginning with practical improvements that build confidence before moving on to larger regeneration schemes. 

The overall plan will look to strengthen Whitehaven’s historic town centre, reconnect it with the harbour, improve public spaces, bring vacant and underused buildings back into use, create new homes and jobs, and make the town a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Josh said: “Whitehaven has one of the finest historic town centres and harbours anywhere in the country, but for too long we’ve all known it hasn’t been living up to its enormous potential.

“This masterplan gives us a clear vision of what Whitehaven can become over the next decade and beyond.

“It brings together practical projects to improve our streets and public spaces, restore historic buildings, strengthen the connection between the harbour and the town centre, create new opportunities for housing and businesses, and make Whitehaven an even better place to spend time.

“I’m particularly pleased that this isn’t simply a wish list.

“It’s a phased programme that recognises we need to build momentum through early improvements while preparing the ground for much bigger transformational projects in the years ahead.” 

The first phase of the masterplan includes improvements to the town centre public realm, King Street, Whitehaven railway station gateway, the harbourside, regeneration around the southern end of King Street, and a new wayfinding and public art strategy.

Later phases include major redevelopment opportunities around the harbour, former Wilko site, Mark House site, improved leisure facilities, new housing and better links throughout the town. 

Josh said that work is ongoing to secure agreement between Cumberland Council and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on a co-ordinated package of funding capable of supporting delivery of the most ambitious elements of the plan.

He said: “Publishing the masterplan is an important milestone, but now the real work begins.

“Over recent months I’ve been bringing together Cumberland Council, the NDA, Sellafield and other nuclear partners to develop a funding package that could help unlock many of these major regeneration projects.

“Whitehaven plays a vital role in supporting Britain’s nuclear mission and I believe there is a compelling case for the nuclear sector to play a significant role in helping regenerate the town at its heart.

“We’re making progress on those discussions and I’ll continue working tirelessly to turn this vision into reality.”

Kells and Sandwith Councillor, Emma Williamson said: “Whitehaven deserves a town centre that reflects its history, its potential and the pride local people have in their community.

“This masterplan has been shaped by listening carefully to residents, businesses and local organisations, and sets out a clear, ambitious vision for the future.

“We’re already getting on with delivering early improvements while continuing to work with Josh, our nuclear partners and other stakeholders to secure the investment needed for the larger transformational projects.

“Regeneration on this scale takes time, but we now have a shared plan, strong partnerships and real momentum behind us.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to developing a plan that can make a lasting difference for Whitehaven.”

The Whitehaven Town Centre Board will meet again in August to discuss the next phase of work, including priorities for delivery and funding.