LEVELS on Duke Street, which is being developed by social impact property developers BEC and supported by Sellafield Ltd and BT, will open its doors in January 2026 as part of the town's wider regeneration.

LEVELS is now recruiting players aged 11 to 18 from across West Cumbria to participate in entry-level local leagues and potentially qualify to represent LEVELS in national esports competition - the British Esports Students Champs.

Teams will compete for free in LEVELS' own gaming competitions and will have the opportunity to win prizes while building essential skills.

Young people with a passion for games such as Rocket League and League of Legends are encouraged to apply.

The three-floor facility will feature cutting-edge esports facilities, immersive VR experiences, digital education spaces, studios, and a café.

Ian Irving, managing director at LEVELS Whitehaven CiC, said: "LEVELS is a one-of-a-kind space for the UK, a place where creativity, technology and opportunity come together.

"We know there's a massive community of young gamers in Cumbria, and we're thrilled to be creating a space where they can learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and even represent their hometown on the national stage.

"No prior competitive experience is needed from young people, just enthusiasm, teamwork, and a love for gaming. We'd love to hear from anyone interested or parents curious about how LEVELS can help their children grow their skills whilst socialising in a safe and modern environment."

A recent investment from technology firm Atos helped secure ten professional-grade esports stations for LEVELS, ensuring young players have access to the identical high-spec setups used by national and international teams.