Revive, based in a purpose-built facility in the heart of the estate, will collect, repair and upcycle donated furniture before redistributing it to households in need.
In its first year, the project aims to divert up to 20 tonnes of furniture from landfill, support more than 100 households with furniture packages, and provide training and skills opportunities for residents facing barriers to employment.
Backed by £826,000 in capital investment from Well Whitehaven and Cumberland Council, alongside support from Sellafield supply chain partners, Revive is expected to make an immediate impact locally.
BEC CEO Michael Pemberton speaks to the many who gathered at the opening. (Image: NQ Staff)
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “It is really exciting that Revive is now at this stage – and fantastic for the council to be a part of it. I know an enormous amount of work has gone on to make sure this project brings real value and social impact to Cumberland on many levels.
“What we do with our waste is such an important issue, and this addresses it directly, while offering great opportunities for upskilling and ways for people to access the things they need affordably.
“I look forward to seeing families, employers and job seekers make full use of these opportunities, and to seeing the impact that Revive has for communities.”
The launch event on Monday, March 9 included a silent auction of upcycled furniture created during a collaborative workshop involving Sellafield senior leadership and young people from Aspire and the local pupil referral unit.
The family of Barbara Armstrong at the opening of the hub, in front of the plaque dedicated to the community champion. (Image: NQ Staff)
On the doors of two of the workshops, were plaques for former Copeland Borough Council chief executive Pat Graham, who died in August 2023, and Mirehouse community volunteer Barbara Armstrong, who passed away in November 2021.
Speaking at the launch about the women, Emma Williamson, community impact manager at BEC and deputy leader of Cumberland Council said: “These women were the kind of women whose wit could lift a room, whose dedication never wavered and whose hard work inspired everyone around them.
“Their belief in community, kindness and second chances mirrors the very heart of what Revive is built on.”
Barbara’s family attended the launch. Speaking on the day, her son David and daughter Sonya said: “It’s a real honour to have the room named after her, a legacy for our kids as well. It’s nice to understand what she did do because she was such a people person in the community.”
The project has been supported by social impact property developers BEC, who are providing in-kind project, financial, and operational backing to help establish the initiative.
The new hub also paid tribute to former Copeland Council CEO Pat Graham. (Image: NQ Staff)
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “Revive is exactly the kind of project that delivers real impact at a community level.
“It tackles waste, supports people into skills and employment, and ensures families can access the essentials they need.
“At BEC, we believe regeneration must be felt in every part of a town. Supporting Revive in Mirehouse is about making sure opportunity, sustainability, and practical help are reaching the communities that need them most.”
Operating as a community interest company, Revive will reinvest any surplus back into training, community programmes and local services, ensuring long-term benefit for the area.
Jordan Mattinson, operations manager at Revive, added: “Revive is about practical action. We’re reducing waste, creating opportunities to learn new skills and making sure families can access the essentials they need.
People toured around the workshops at the centre. (Image: NQ Staff)
“There is a huge amount of usable furniture going to landfill every year. By keeping it in the community, we can reduce environmental impact while helping people at the same time.”
Revive will now begin rolling out community workshops, volunteering opportunities and a structured furniture donation programme.