Whitehaven hopes for boost from Sellafield workers

There are hopes that a multi million-pound office complex will result in an economic boost to a Cumbria town.

Copeland Borough Council has given approval for the Albion Square project in Whitehaven.

It will begin the compulsory purchase of the land, which was formerly occupied by a scrap metal merchant and an auto company.

Once complete, the £20m complex will house up to 900 office workers from the Sellafield plant.

Iain Irving, stakeholder relations director for Sellafield Ltd, said: "Many of our roles do demand people to be on the site, but many of the more functional, office-based roles can be off-site.

'Well-paid workers'

"This can be much more convenient for people, and also a big help to the economy of the town centre."

Elaine Woodburn, leader of Copeland Borough Council, said the council had been in talks with a number of potential developers.

She added: "For a long time we've been advocating getting Sellafield workers who don't have to be on the site into the town centre.

"It's going to be fantastic. We'll get different shops attracted to the area.

"We're talking well-paid workers who have money to spend and want to make sure they spend it in Whitehaven."