Plans in for 64,500 sq ft Whitehaven office

Barton Willmore has submitted an outline application on behalf of EROS Properties for an office development in Whitehaven with retail space, staff parking and a public square.

Located on Quay Street, on the site of Argos and Rack Shack, the harbourside development has the potential to deliver significant employment opportunities to Whitehaven and West Cumbria, the planning and design consultancy said.

The proposals submitted to Copeland Borough Council are an amended version of a previous application for the site, with changes made to height, scale, massing and appearance of the building, along with the addition of public space with seating.

EROS said that its scheme takes advantage of views across Whitehaven harbourside, with the inclusion of an outdoor roof terrace. The fourth and fifth floors of office space have been set back to provide a better fit with neighbouring buildings and to lessen the impact on the setting of St Gregory & St Patrick’s chapel. The scheme has been designed by PRP.

Hannah Walker, senior planner at Barton Willmore, said: “The proposed scheme will breathe new life in to Whitehaven and the wider area, providing both high quality office space in a sought-after location, along with retail and a new outdoor space for the public to enjoy.”

Copeland Borough Council is now open to comments on the new planning application from residents and businesses in Whitehaven.