Developer wanted for Whitehaven eco-friendly project

West Lakes Renaissance and Copeland Council are searching for a developer to transform derelict industrial land in Whitehaven into a new eco-friendly housing and business community.

The council wants a company to work on the Pow Beck Gardens project – part of the 45-acre Power Beck Valley regeneration scheme – resulting in a mix of energy efficient homes, shops and business units.

The environmentally friendly project, which will create apartments and townhouses with one to four bedrooms, is aimed at both single people and families and will stretch across nearly seven acres of land.

Locally sourced materials will be used to create the homes, while the use of renewable energy and solar power will keep energy consumption at a minimum.

Paul Crooks, Whitehaven Programme Development Manager at West Lakes Renaissance, said: "This is an exciting step forward in realising our vision for Pow Beck Valley and will deliver the most efficient and environmentally friendly residential development to take place in West Cumbria.

"We are eager to attract interest among the very best developers, and where possible, developers from Cumbria, to ensure that this regeneration process is truly sustainable and that the benefits during the design and construction phases are felt locally."

Developers have until next Wednesday to submit expressions of interest in Pow Beck Gardens.

The search marks the first major step in the Pow Beck Valley regeneration scheme. Other developments planned for the 45-acre site include a business park; space for future business development; and the creation of a new sports village, a new sports stadium for Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club; improved football facilities and indoor tennis courts.