Main contractor appointed to £4.1m digital and gaming hub

The main contractor for the LEVELS development, which will transform the former Whittles building in Whitehaven, has been announced and work will start immediately.

Social impact property developers BEC announced that Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong had been appointed the scheme’s main contractor. BEC promises a ‘world-class’ development.

LEVELS on Duke Street will operate over three floors, offering gaming and VR spaces, recording studios, and digital workshop zones. The building will also have its own cafe and meeting areas opening in late 2025.

Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “Following a thorough tender process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Armstrong today – a trusted, local and well-resourced firm. Thomas Armstrong demonstrated their understanding of the project, expertise, and commitment to social responsibility and care about West Cumbria, its place, and its people.

CGI of Whittles building plans

“This announcement signifies a significant and positive step forward to LEVELS’ opening in Autumn 2025. Our local community will see Thomas Armstrong onsite almost immediately.

“The laser-light focus of our project team to make this development world-class remains. LEVELS will be a development for West Cumbria to be proud of and genuinely experience the exceptional, unique benefits that it brings. In this hub, our youth can seriously upskill, learn and be inspired in a mix of high-tech and modern sectors that crosses gaming, music, AI and IT.”

Thomas Armstrong’s managing director, David Atkinson, said: “Thomas Armstrong is thrilled to have been appointed principal contractor for this exciting new development in Whitehaven, which continues our long-standing relationship with BEC. The development will bring substantial benefits to the local community. The project will rejuvenate the town centre and breathe new life into the Grade II listed building.

“It will also provide fantastic opportunities for the young people of West Cumbria and contribute positively to our local economy.

“Thomas Armstrong is fully committed to working in West Cumbria, and this project will assist us in continuing to employ over 250 people who live and work there.”

The hub is a £4.1m social impact redevelopment programme, with £2.8m of that secured from Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) scheme, £800,000 from BT and £485,000 from BEC themselves.

Eirini Etoimou of Sellafield Ltd, said: “Congratulations to Thomas Armstrong on being appointed primary contractor for the LEVELS project. It’s really exciting to be at the stage where our vision for the building is starting to become a reality.

“LEVELS will be a transformative project for our community, equipping our young people to with the skills and ambition to grasp the limitless opportunities of the digital economy.

“I’m grateful to all the partners who continue to show that our impact is multiplied when we work together on the issues that matter to our communities.”