Hundreds of people came together this week to celebrate five years of The Bus Station.
The business hub opened in 2021 and has since become a place for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives – developed by social impact property developers BEC with investment from Sellafield Ltd through its Social Impact Multiplied programme.
The £6.1 million development transformed the town’s derelict bus station into a modern business and hospitality destination in the town centre.
Over the past five years, BEC said it has generated over £350,000 in annual local spend, creating over 80 jobs and ensuring 70 per cent of construction expenditure was spent within the local supply chain.
It is now home to a growing business community, co-working facilities, private offices, meeting rooms and The Peddler, a 120-seat restaurant.
Designed to support start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs across Cumbria, the building provides around 7,700 sq ft of flexible workspace alongside specialist facilities including laser cutters, 3D printers and electronics stations.
Guests attending the anniversary open day were given the opportunity to explore the building, meet resident businesses and learn more about the impact the development has had on Whitehaven and the wider area over the past five years.
Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said: “Five years ago, we set out to create something that would help bring new energy, opportunity and investment into Whitehaven town centre.
“The Bus Station is home to a fantastic community of businesses and entrepreneurs, many of whom have grown alongside the building itself. It’s become a place where people can collaborate, innovate and build successful businesses right here in West Cumbria.
“What makes this project special is the impact it continues to have beyond the building. The jobs created, the businesses supported, and the opportunities generated are all helping to strengthen the local economy.
“It was fantastic to see so many people join us to celebrate this milestone and reflect on what has been achieved over the past five years.”
Euan Hutton, chief executive officer of Sellafield Ltd, said: “As we celebrate five years of the Bus Station, it’s inspiring to see how this facility has grown into a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration and community.
“From the outset, Sellafield Ltd was proud to support its creation through our SIX strategy, working alongside partners including Barclays Eagle Labs and BEC, to invest in opportunities that help local people and businesses thrive.
“This anniversary is not just a milestone for a building, but a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to unlock potential and drive sustainable growth across our region.”
