Meet Lauren! The new Community Activity Co-ordinator helping bring The Edge to life
Meet the community champion on a mission to make sure The Edge becomes the buzzing harbourside hub it was designed to be.
Lauren Bambury has recently stepped into Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ newly created role of Community Activity Co-ordinator and she’s already out and about, meeting local groups, giving sneak-peek tours of The Edge, and inviting people to help shape what happens there.
From paddleboarding to book clubs, Lauren is passionate about finding ways to make the exciting new facility work for everyone, and ensuring it reflects the people and spirit of Whitehaven.
Connector, champion and friendly face
The Edge has been developed with funding from the Sellafield SiX - Social Impact Multiplied programme and the Government’s former Coastal Communities Fund. It will feature changing rooms including lockers and showers (two of which are accessible wet rooms), a drying room, public toilets, a small self-contained meeting room available for hire, a ground-floor café and mezzanine space, plus 16 hotel bedrooms.
Lauren’s role sits at the heart of The Edge’s community activity offer and the team at Osprey Management Group, who operate and manage a number of established venues in Cumbria, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and general management of the café and accommodation.
Lauren will be focused on building relationships with local people, clubs and organisations to help them make the most of this wonderful new resource. “My main aim is to get people through the doors and using the building,” says Lauren.
“It’s about connecting with what’s already here - youth clubs, schools, arts and heritage groups, and helping people to feel like this is their space. It’s also about helping shape a long-term programme of events and activities, and looking at opportunities to secure further funding for the likes of subsidised activities.”
A space for everyone
During her first three months in post, Lauren has already been busy visiting schools, speaking to local groups, and inviting community leaders to have an early look at The Edge while the fit-out programme continues.
“It’s still early days. I’m doing a bit of everything, and every day looks different but I’d love to get to a point where regular sessions are happening and a year-round calendar. I want The Edge to become that community harbourside hub people have been waiting for.”
Lauren’s already working on plans for a photography competition and is liaising with local schools and established artists about creating artwork for some of the walls. She’s also keen to hear from people who are interested in using The Edge - whether on behalf of a local activity group, charity, hobby club, or someone with an unusual idea but nowhere to deliver it.
“My dream is that The Edge is used by everyone, especially those who don’t usually have access to opportunities and facilities like these. I want it to be really community focussed. Obviously there will be limitations but if people have ideas for how our spaces might be used and keep The Edge self-sustainable, get in touch - I’m all ears.”
What's on the horizon?
A soft launch of activities led by skilled instructors is planned for later this summer, including stand-up paddleboarding in August. Lauren is also in conversation with a number of organisations about accessible activity programmes, and hopes to develop packages with groups such as Copeland Canoe Club and Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project that blend watersports, archery and climbing.
“We’ve already had interest from all sorts of people, from local activity groups keen to support The Edge regularly, to event organisers and families. It’s been brilliant to see the excitement building.”
Longer term, Lauren would love to see the likes of acoustic performances on the small stage, family gatherings and group residential bookings becoming part of the rhythm of the space. The cafe’s mezzanine area and meeting room are already proving a popular talking point among those who’ve seen inside, and Lauren’s keen to explore with the Osprey team how flexible use might work as patterns emerge.
Built for Whitehaven
Lauren’s role is part of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ commitment to the community. As a Trust Port, all revenue is reinvested into the harbour and initiatives such as The Edge and The Rum Story that benefit Whitehaven and its wider area.
Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, says: “As well as our own projects, we’re also working with key partners such as Cumberland Council, Whitehaven Town Council, BEC, the local MP's office, and others on plans to further improve the town. Lauren’s work at The Edge is part of that: building links, unlocking opportunities, and supporting people to make the most of what’s here.”
For Lauren, the job brings together everything she loves - the coast, communities, and conversations. After moving to Maryport in 2018, she quickly found herself at home in Cumbria and has built strong local connections ever since. With a background that includes roles as a harbour master in both Cornwall and then Cumbria, plus experience running harbourside markets and festivals, Lauren knows what it takes to turn a building like The Edge into a place that people feel part of.
“The new building has so much potential and my job is to help unlock it for the community. I’ve worked in harbours all my life, but this is something really special. It’s not just about the space, it’s about the people who’ll bring it to life.”
Want to get involved?
Lauren would love to hear from you, whether you have an idea for an activity, want to book a space, or just want to see what The Edge could offer your group or organisation. You can reach her on lauren@whitehavenhc.org.uk or call Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ office on 01946 590515.