21-05-2025
Plans unveiled to bring 'glory back to Whitehaven'
AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to 'bring glory back to Whitehaven' as two empty town centre buildings have been earmarked for luxury accommodation.
GB Ennis Partnership has purchased of the former Trinity House Surgery building at 17 Irish Street and the company is also looking to buy the empty Mason's shop on Roper Street.
John Ennis, of Mirehouse, is a director of the company, along with his wife, Sophie Ennis, George De La Cour and Becky Tsang, who all want to regenerate the buildings and invest in the town centre.
John Ennis and George De La Cour give MP Josh MacAlister a tour of the building (Image: Submitted)
A soon to be a father-of-five, Mr Ennis, who also owns Rainbow City play centre at Haig Enterprise Park, with his wife, said he wants his children to love and appreciate the town's history and heritage.
He told The Whitehaven News: 'Myself and my business partners are going full steam ahead to bring glory back to Whitehaven. We have a lot planned and are working closely with Josh MacAlister and Emma Williamson and the council team along with other businesses.
'We are hoping to give luxury accommodation to doctors, nurses and families visiting patients to the West Cumberland Hospital. We are also building a two-bedroom coach house to the rear of Irish street.
The directors of GB Ennis Partnership - John and Sophie Ennis, George De La Cour and Becky Tsang (Image: Submitted)
'We are in the process of acquiring the old Mason's building, where we will be refurbishing the upper floors to again provide luxury accommodation.
'The ground floor we will be fitting out as a commercial unit were we will be offing a business to go in on a rent-free period to help them succeed and also to help them grow their business.
'We are looking to do this with a lot of derelict buildings in Whitehaven. We are working closely with the masterplan of Whitehaven to bring it back to its glory days.'
GB Ennis Partnership are also in the process of buying Mason's on Roper Street (Image: Submitted)
Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, has welcomed Mr Ennis' plans and said he has discussed how they can be tied in with wider regeneration plans he is working on with Cumberland Council and deputy leader, Emma Williamson.
Mr MacAlister said: 'I'm committed to delivering a bold and ambitious regeneration of Whitehaven town centre. But for it to be successful, we also need private investors to come forward with their own complimentary plans.
'That's why I was so excited to meet John Ennis and his business partners to discuss their ideas for bringing some of Whitehaven's iconic buildings back into use. This is exactly what we need as we start to develop the masterplan and secure the funding to deliver it.
Josh MacAlister MP and cllr Joseph Ghayouba get a tour of the Irish Street building (Image: Submitted)
'I look forward to working with John and other potential developers in the coming years to ensure that Whitehaven reaches its full potential. If you've got a good idea, reach out and I'll do what I can to help make it happen.'
Cllr Williamson said: 'I couldn't make the walkabout but met with John and his colleagues, Becky and George later on. It was amazing to hear his thoughts surrounding our town.
'Like myself, John is born and bred here and has fond memories of our little town. It's people like John that will help form and drive our masterplan for Whitehaven. I'm looking forward to us all shaping the future of Whitehaven.'
Cllr Joseph Ghyaouba, who leads the empty shop sub-group on the Whitehaven Town Centre Board, said: 'I have been pushing for action on empty properties since my election and it's great to see a new owner engaging with us to turn the town around. My offer remains open to other property owners to get in touch.'
