A project management team has been appointed to oversee the transformation of Whitehaven's vacant bus station into a £4.1 million digital and creative hub.

West Cumbrian contractor Thomas Armstrong begun work on the scheme in July, which also includes the conversion of the old bus station offices into the Watershed, and it is due to be completed this summer.

Profit-for-purpose property firm BEC is spearheading the development, part of the ambitious £300 million North Shore project, working with Copeland council and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.

It has now appointed Summers-Inman as project manager.

Its Newcastle office is providing project, cost and safety management, ensuring the design and construction teams deliver the project on budget, within the programme and to the required quality and safety standards.

It will combine flexible working space and artisan food offering to become a cutting-edge home of innovation, disruption and imagination. Sellafield Ltd are supporting the Buzz Station with strategic support and £2.6m investment.

The Watershed is an extension to the scheme and its aim is to give people a space to develop their business ideas.

BEC wants Whitehaven’s harbour front to become a beacon for sustainable development as it strives to be zero net carbon.

Plans are in place for solar panels on the roof and the project is also trialling the use of a direct-current electrical system to run small devices, part of the lighting systems and some of the IT networks.

Ian Campbell, director of Summers-Inman, said: “We are delighted with this latest appointment, on what is the first project to hit site on BEC’s masterplan for Whitehaven regeneration.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with them to fulfil BEC’s vision of Buzz Station and the significant enhancements it will bring to Whitehaven and the local community.”

Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “By regenerating neglected sites and improving public spaces, we hope to attract more visitors to strengthen the local economy of Whitehaven and improve the way the harbour looks."