A series of stunning photograph panels have been unveiled at Whitehaven railway station by John Baker, CEO Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, as part of the “Whitehaven, there’s more than you think!” project, funded by Community Rail Network and delivered by the Cumbrian Coast Line Community Rail Partnership.
The project aims to showcase the amazing array of attractions along the harbour front, hidden from the railway station, and to entice passengers, through the train windows, to visit and enjoy the wealth of gems that Whitehaven has to offer. Each individual panel has its own unique QR code signposting visitors to key websites where they can learn more.
The designs can be rotated to showcase heritage, cultural, festival and artisan experiences throughout the year, sowing the seed for people normally passing through on the train to be tempted to alight and get to know Whitehaven.
The CRP has established a strong partnership with the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and will collaborate further to promote Whitehaven Harbour - a location that is fondly known as the ‘Jewel of the Town’ - a focal point for several exciting projects over forthcoming months.
Several other organisations directly involved with this project were present at the official launch including, Community Rail Network, Northern Trains Ltd, ISS, Adamedia, Carlos Reina Photography and Firpress, along with key stakeholders such as Sellafield Ltd who support the Community Rail Partnership.
Northern Station Manager, Jane Murray, commented:
"I would just like to say that the new photo boards at Whitehaven Station are amazing and not only make a difference to the station but also to customers/tourists wishing to ‘Discover’ Whitehaven. These boards show some fabulous places to visit and shows off what a beautiful place Whitehaven is and where you can go to see such amazing views and beautiful scenery.
"I hope that everyone that travels through Whitehaven Station enjoys seeing the displays and makes a visit the town to see what it has to offer!"
John Baker, Whitehaven Harbour Commissioner said:
"Whitehaven is too often referred to as a “hidden” jewel, and the reality is that it is a wonderful place with rich heritage, history and incredibly passionate communities. Whitehaven deserves to be shouted about more, to attract more visitors and make its communities proud. What has been done with this Project is a significant step in doing just that, by unveiling to a passing audience what’s on offer here and just how special it is. I hope that it sets a high quality example of what can be achieved in partnership to market and promote the town."
Community Rail Partnership Officer, Warren Birch said:
"It has been wonderful to work with local organisations to produce these eye-catching panels, building upon the excellent work Eric Barker has been doing with the Connecting Cumbria’s Hidden Coast project.
"The importance of supporting local businesses still recovering from the pandemic cannot be underestimated and the Community Rail Partnership hope these panels will appeal to the passenger’s curiosity, encouraging them to visit this unique town."