Look inside: Whitehaven’s landmark new £5m harbourside facility officially opens

Perched on the site of the former Wellington Inn and overlooking Whitehaven’s historic harbour, a striking new three-storey, £5m venue has opened its doors—blending coastal character with contemporary design and creating a vibrant new hub for residents and visitors alike.

A place to meet, stay and explore

Inside, the waterfront building offers 16 en-suite bedrooms with sweeping harbour views, now open for bookings. A lively café and mezzanine bar welcome walk-ins daily, serving food from 10am to 9pm and drinks until 11pm. Thoughtfully designed public facilities include accessible toilets, flexible meeting rooms, changing and drying spaces for outdoor enthusiasts, and a small stage suited to intimate, acoustic performances.

Whether you’re setting off paddleboarding with a local group, tackling the Coast-to-Coast cycle route, or simply pausing for coffee after a seafront stroll, The Edge positions itself as West Cumbria’s newest base to meet, move, play, stay and explore.

Run by locals, for the community

The venue is owned by Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC), a not-for-profit body that cares for the harbour and surrounding area, and operated by Cumbrian hospitality specialists Osprey Management Group. Osprey oversees day-to-day hospitality and accommodation, while WHC is working with independent experts to bring a varied programme of watersports, cultural activity and community events to the harbourfront.

Osprey’s team describes the project as a rare opportunity: a hotel with sweeping views and a relaxed café-bar alongside spaces for meetings and gatherings—designed to boost the local visitor economy, create jobs and extend a warm welcome to guests from near and far.

WHC highlights the long effort to reach opening day and the positive response from early users. By partnering with experienced operators and activity providers, the aim is a financially sustainable centre that delivers lasting social, economic and health benefits for the area.

From storm damage to regeneration

The Edge’s story began with loss, after severe weather destroyed buildings that once occupied this stretch of the quay. Out of that setback came a bolder vision: to reconnect the harbour with the community and make it a destination in its own right. A new slipway was completed in 2020, but the main build faced delays due to the global pandemic and further disruption from severe storms. Despite the challenges, the project kept faith with its original purpose—to attract visitors, support local businesses and provide a high-quality resource for residents.

Designed by Manchester-based Northmill Associates, the building’s sculptural form echoes a block of sandstone washed ashore by high seas. Construction was delivered by Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd. When the originally proposed operator stepped back, Osprey Management Group took the reins, bringing fresh energy and commercial expertise to guide the opening and future operations.

Investment with local impact

The Edge has been supported through the UK Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme—backing that reflects a shared commitment to strengthening West Cumbria’s economy and community life. The facility is expected to draw more visitors to the harbour, increase footfall for surrounding businesses, and give local residents more opportunities to enjoy high-quality activities close to home.

Early trials with community groups helped shape the offer—from outdoor adventures to creative workshops—ensuring the space responds to local needs as well as visitor demand.

What you’ll find at The Edge

• 16 en-suite bedrooms, all with harbour views
• Café and mezzanine bar serving food 10am–9pm, drinks until 11pm
• Publicly accessible toilets
• Flexible meeting rooms for groups and events
• Changing and drying facilities for watersports and outdoor activities
• Small performance stage suitable for acoustic sets and community use

Open—and just the beginning

With doors now open, The Edge invites people to make the most of the harbour—whether as a classroom, a stage, a playground or a place to unwind. It’s a new chapter for Whitehaven’s waterfront and a compelling symbol of resilience and regeneration on the Cumbrian coast.