Plans for £3m coastal activity centre given go-ahead

Plans for a £3m coastal activity centre in Whitehaven have been given the green light today. Members of Copeland’s planning panel voted 8-1 in favour of the ambitious scheme following a site visit this morning. The three-story activity centre will be built on the current Wellington car park, at West Strand, next to the harbour. It will include multi-use spaces, changing and toilet facilities, a classroom and accommodation. Under the plans, an equipment storage compound will be built with storage spaces for canoes, kayaks and sailing dinghies. The project will also see the creation of a cycle workshop and a new slipway into Whitehaven’s outer harbour. A car park with 17 spaces will also be included, which the public will be able to use. The building will be characterised by an innovative and distinctive design inspired by local sandstone blocks.