A £5 million water activity centre has opened in Whitehaven, Cumbria, more than three years later than originally planned.
The Edge was scheduled to welcome visitors in the summer of 2022 but faced delays linked to the coronavirus pandemic and construction challenges. The multi-million-pound project has been funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd, which operates the nearby nuclear plant.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC), who own the building, said the centre aims to be “a financially sustainable centre” providing long-term benefits to the community. Chief executive Deanne Shallcross said: “It’s been a long time coming but it feels amazing to finally open the doors to the public.”
Work on the Edge began in January 2022, with the steel frame completed later that year. The three-storey building is designed to resemble sandstone pebbles washed up on the shore, creating an iconic structure overlooking Golden Sands beach. Its distinctive cladding and irregular-shaped windows have drawn attention for both aesthetic appeal and technical complexity.
Inside, the centre offers watersports facilities, a new slipway, a café, and 16 rooms to accommodate visitors and cyclists tackling the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) route. WHC hopes the centre will attract around 10,000 visitors each year, helping boost tourism and support local businesses.
Stuart McCourt, Sellafield Ltd’s social impact manager, described the facility as an “asset” for the community. He added: “It helps to create resilient economies by attracting visitors into the area and increasing the footfall for local business.”
Funding for the project was announced in March 2020 under the government’s Coastal Communities Fund. This programme supports initiatives that promote regeneration, create sustainable jobs, and stimulate economic growth in coastal towns. Since its inception in 2012, the fund has invested over £182 million in 178 projects across England, with an additional £47 million supporting 91 projects under the Coastal Revival Fund.
Delays during construction were caused by multiple factors, including connecting the site to electricity and the challenges of installing specialist cladding. Mrs Shallcross said: “Once the issues were overcome, it flew. Each of them alone, it’s not unusual for a big construction. We’ve got to be due some luck.”
The Edge has been positioned as a hub for community activities as well as tourism. Plans include hosting events and activities aimed at both locals and visitors, making it a versatile venue for the town. The upper floors provide accommodation to encourage overnight stays, helping increase footfall to Whitehaven and surrounding businesses.
In addition to offering leisure and recreation, the centre aligns with wider government and regional initiatives to support coastal regeneration. The Coastal Communities Fund, which has now closed for new applications, has backed projects over £50,000 that promote long-term economic growth while safeguarding local employment. Similar programmes like the Coastal Revival Fund have focused on reviving heritage sites, piers, parks, and other at-risk assets to generate economic and cultural value.
Mrs Shallcross highlighted the community benefits of the new facility, noting the potential for increased engagement and activities. “The building is amazingly full of potential, but while the shell is complete, the inside is still fairly empty at the moment. But it won’t be long before it becomes a hive of activity,” she said.
The Edge represents a major milestone for Whitehaven, signalling investment in both infrastructure and tourism. By combining watersports, accommodation, and community events, the centre hopes to establish itself as a focal point for local pride and visitor attraction.
The project also underscores the role of public and private partnerships in delivering sustainable development for coastal towns. Sellafield Ltd’s involvement reflects wider corporate social responsibility commitments, while government funding ensures long-term viability and alignment with regional regeneration strategies.
After more than three years of anticipation, the doors of The Edge are now open, offering a combination of adventure, community space, and economic opportunity for Whitehaven and the wider Cumbria coast.
