Sellafield Ltd, through its SiX (social impact, multiplied) programme, has announced a major investment in LEVELS, a ground-breaking £4.6 million redevelopment of the former Whittles department store in Whitehaven, West Cumbria into a state-of-the-art immersive entertainment and education centre.
Delivered and developed by social impact property developers BEC, LEVELS has transformed a Grade II-listed building into a cutting-edge hub for digital creativity, learning, and interactive experiences.
Across 4 floors, the centre features immersive digital and gaming experiences, an esports arena, interactive learning spaces, and a café—creating a vibrant space for education and creativity in the heart of Whitehaven.
By equipping young people with the skills needed for a digital-first future, the project aims to engage young people, their families, and educators, inspiring the next generation to explore careers in digital and creative technology.
Funding for the project includes £3.3 million from Sellafield Ltd through its SiX programme, alongside £800,000 in funding, equipment, and logistical support from BT, Atos, and Openreach—as part of their social impact commitments through Information and Communications Technology contracts with Sellafield Ltd.
BEC has also contributed £500,000, demonstrating the power of partnership to multiply impact.
Tracey West, Sellafield Ltd’s head of social impact, said
LEVELS represents exactly what our SiX programme is about—creating lasting social impact by investing in skills, innovation, and opportunity. By collaborating with partners like BEC and our supply chain, we’re helping West Cumbria’s young people prepare for a digital future.
This investment builds on our long-standing commitment to improving education provision in West Cumbria, following projects such as West Lakes Academy, the Whitehaven Campus, the National College for Nuclear, and the Well programme.