The Vision
Whitehaven town centre will be at the heart of a vibrant west Cumbria; celebrating its historic harbour, heritage and nature it will be on the cutting edge of nuclear innovation and provide a special place to enjoy, live, work and explore.
Who it is for
Communities - A welcoming and inclusive town centre that supports everyday needs, local businesses, and community life.
Young people - An accessible town with affordable living, social spaces, and opportunities to learn and connect.
Workers - A high-quality place to live and work, flexible workspaces, good connections, and strong work–life balance.
Visitors - A distinctive destination celebrating heritage and the waterfront, with attractions to explore and return to.
Development Principles
These set out the guiding principles for the masterplan.
Celebrate heritage and waterfront identity - development should respect, reuse, and enhance Whitehaven’s historic buildings, Georgian townscape, and maritime character. Regeneration should celebrate the harbour and coastal setting, reinforcing a strong sense of place that is rooted in Whitehaven’s history.
Rebalance movement to put people first - streets and routes should be redesigned to reduce vehicular dominance and prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. Safer crossings, calmer streets, and improved active travel routes will reduce severance and strengthen connections across the town.
Activate the harbour and the town centre - the harbour and town centre should be animated through active ground-floor uses, flexible public spaces, and a mix of leisure, cultural, employment, and residential activity. This will support footfall throughout the day and evening and strengthen town centre vitality.
Define Whitehaven’s identity as a coastal destination - key arrival points, including the harbour, rail station, and primary vehicular routes, should create a strong sense of arrival into Whitehaven. High-quality design, enhanced public realm, and clear wayfinding should encourage visitors to explore the town centre, supporting footfall and activity.
Support employment, learning and sustainable living - development should support existing and emerging employment sectors while enabling students, graduates, and professionals to live and work in Whitehaven. Flexible workspaces, learning and innovation space, and modern homes will support sustainable growth, retain talent, and create a balanced community.
Enhance public realm and green infrastructure - public realm improvements should deliver attractive, and high-quality streets and spaces across the town centre and waterfront. Integrated green infrastructure will enhance biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and strengthen connections to green and blue spaces.
