Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

WHITEHAVEN-based company Westlakes Engineering Design Consultants (WEL) have been commissioned to manage a project which will see one of the town’s largest land assets transformed into a desirable development of 48 new homes, after lying dormant for almost 30 years.

Jefferson Park: Glenn Wilkes and Harry Ashworth at the entrance to the site

The four-acre site has played a significant part in Whitehaven’s business success. It was once the old brickworks and for over 50 years was the home of laundry firm Lakeland Pennine before it closed in the early 1980s.

But North West developers, Rushcliff Group, took on the challenge to invest in the site with plans to create 48 much needed homes for Whitehaven.

Developers have taken almost 30 years to take an interest in the site because of the challenges they would face. It is a steep location and previous use had altered the natural ground conditions. But earlier this year work began on the site and it is now the newest development to be released in Whitehaven.

The project will be named Jefferson Park after the historic rum importing Whitehaven family.

Created in a contemporary style, the development has also been designed with a strong focus on affordable local home ownership.

WEL was commissioned because of its ability to deal with difficult engineering situations. The team researched historical records and carried out site surveys to ensure the houses, roads and drainage were correctly located.

They provided detailed drawings and partially redesigned the layout to retain natural features like the bank of mature trees which enhances the secluded atmosphere.

A spokesman for the developer said: “The unique character of the site presented a formidable engineering challenge. WEL have provided economical and effective solutions to the problems so prospective buyers can be assured that living on Jefferson Park will be a pleasurable experience for many years to come.

“The design work produced by WEL provides all that is best in modern house building.“

Glenn Wilks, director of architecture and project management at Westlakes Engineering, said: “It is encouraging to see that developers outside Cumbria recognise the skill and expertise available in our area. During the Jefferson Park project we worked with a developer based on the Fylde coast. They found that using an experienced local practice gave them a quality service, with speedy reaction times and practical, cost-effective solutions.

“We were pleased to be part of such a complex project – they made the most of our engineering expertise and the fact that we provided effective eyes and ears on the doorstep.”

Jefferson Park offers a range of two-, three- and four-bed houses, flats and penthouse apartments. The first 25 properties have just gone on the market with Grisdales Estate Agents and a quarter are already under offer.

Tim Grisedale, of Grisdales Estate Agents, said local interest has been strong: “Despite a volatile market nationally, we are finding the Whitehaven market is bucking the trend with good levels of buyer activity at all price levels.

“Copeland generally is attracting purchasers who can enjoy both work and leisure within an area which boasts good employment opportunities yet is literally only a few minutes drive from the fells and lakes of the Lake District National Park.

“The Jefferson Park development is an exciting addition to the Whitehaven housing market offering a good range of well priced, very affordable homes.

“Visitors to the site appreciate the care and attention to detail which is making Jefferson Park a distinctive place to live.”