Harbour Regeneration

Whitehaven harbour has been undergoing a £16 million regeneration over the last few years, which is culminating in the total overhaul of quay surfaces, buildings and accessories.

For the year 2000, in excess of £5 million has been spent on the Harbour alone. To complement this work the town of Whitehaven is also receiving an injection of funding to make the whole area pristine. The first stage was the installation of lock gates back in 1998. The main advantage produced here is that now there is a permanent impounded water level within the inner Harbour of 6.7 meters. Access times in and out of the Harbour have also been greatly improved. Unique structures have been built on the Harbour side including a special entertainment stage (The Hub) and a 40m rigged mast (The Crows Nest) with a viewing platform at the base. There are numerous statues, works of art etc all with a nautical feel to be taken in on a visit to the Harbour and new seating at every available site to enjoy what Whitehaven Harbour has to offer. Other recent attractions include the newly opened multi million pound 'Rum Story' depicting life when smugglers were at work around the coast of Whitehaven. The history that is Whitehaven, truly is fascinating and should be explored by anyone either local or from afar, young or old. Interest is being shown from many cruise shipping companies to make Whitehaven a regular destination.

Other visiting vessels include:

MONTH OF MAY One day visit by the 'Lady of Man' (Isle of Mann Steam Packet Company) on May 23rd 2002 taking passengers to and from the Isle of Mann.

MONTH OF JUNE The steamer 'Balmoral' will be coming to take a trip to the Isle of Mann on 6th and 9th June 2002. 17th June the three peaks yacht race will be calling into Whitehaven as the planned stop to let the runners do the bit for the race. June 20th 2002 sees the arrival of 3 tall ships, The Earl of Pembroke, Kaskalot and Phoenix for a 5-week stay. The impact of this visit will be established with a view to permanently berth these vessels at Whitehaven.

New Marina Facility

Due to the high demand of berths and interest from around the globe Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners extended the marina in early 2001 to cater for 151 berths. The marina can also accommodate larger vessels by prior arrangement.

To compliment the new extended marina, a new toilet / washroom purpose built building was required. The commencement of building should take place in May 2002 with a completion date for late July, early August 2002.

Enquires are being made at the harbour office specifically for new berths on a daily basis and with the new look Whitehaven Harbour, are sure to go fast. Any one wishing to take advantage of the new berths should contact the Harbour Office on the numbers shown below. An information pack can be sent to you detailing charges and availability for the Marina but do bear in mind that the 2002 season we are practically working to capacity with only the occasional free berth soon being snapped up, so to avoid disappointment, please do book early. Contact Information: Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners Pears House, 1 Dukes Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7HW, England Tel. 00 44 (0) 1946 692435 Fax. 00 44 (0) 1946 691135 EMail Office@whitehaven-harbour.co.uk

Our web site, www.whitehaven-harbour.co.uk is constantly being updated so keep an eye out for up and coming attractions and the latest up dates on the Harbour regeneration.

Whitehaven Maritime Festival 2003

Whitehaven, Cumbria's beautiful 18th century harbour and town, held it's first ever Maritime festival in June 1999 and the 80,000 visitors who came to enjoy the sights and sounds voted it a resounding success. This was followed up by an even bigger event at the 2001 festival which saw numbers peak at 117,000 visitors.

The work of a group of local business people, with support from Copeland Borough Council, the festival boasted tall ships, fireworks, sail boat and raft races, craft stalls and sea shanties.

Its success exceeded all expectations, with the harbour's historic quays a colourful sight as the throngs of people passed along them.

The next festival planned for June 2003 is guaranteed to be bigger and better. Further information on berthing at Whitehaven Harbour can be obtained from Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners Office. maritimeberthing@whitehaven-harbour.co.uk

Further information on the maritime festival can be obtained from: Graham Smith, Chief Executive, Maritime Festival W3M (Trading) Ltd, 27 Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7DN

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners dated 01:04:2002