Energy Coast UTC students are helping to sculpt the future of Whitehaven!

Students at Energy Coast UTC have been enjoying working with The Enterprise Group before Christmas, aiming to inspire regeneration in Whitehaven town centre. As part of a pilot project between Energy Coast and TEG, students have worked together to pitch ideas around what they would like to see in their community, including how to repurpose empty shops, plan town events and market Whitehaven to bring tourists back into the town. Ideas ranged from youth clubs to entertainment centres, walking history audio guides of Whitehaven to creating safer streets.

Hope Redmond, Head of English and Associate Leader at the Energy Coast UTC said ‘Thanks to the guidance of Jenny and her team, our students have loved getting involved in the future of their town, especially at Christmas when community is such an important topic. At the UTC, we pride ourselves on developing students as rounded individuals who will go out and do good in the community; this initiative has proven our students will do just that!’.

Jenny Brumby, TEG Retail Project Manager said ‘The Entrepreneurs Group in collaboration with Energy Coast UTC, embarked on an inspiring journey to ignite the creative minds of over 300 students in addressing the Whitehaven Town Centre regeneration challenge. The enthusiasm and innovation displayed by these young minds were nothing short of remarkable. Amidst the fierce competition, one group of students emerged as the true visionary, embodying the spirit of transformation. Together, we are sculpting the future of Whitehaven, one brilliant idea at a time. Congratulations to the winner, and kudos to all for contributing to a brighter tomorrow.

With the help of Jenny Brumby and her colleagues at TEG, the students have identified gaps in the market, worked out the costings of projects and pitched their ideas to senior leaders and industry professionals, with an exciting first prize of being on the steering group to make those ideas happen! The winners were announced with the winning idea of repurposing an empty shop into a mining themed arcade centre, linking to the town history of Whitehaven. Congratulations to all involved!