Early plans for the new £30 million education facility, Campus Whitehaven, will go on public display next month.

Pupils, parents and the wider community have their first chance to view the plans, meet the developers, and give their feedback at the drop-in event held at St Benedict’s School on Thursday, October 13, from 1pm to 8pm.

The public’s views are being sought ahead of a planning application being submitted by Cumbria County Council and the main contractor, Wates Construction, later this year.

The campus will include all new facilities for St Benedict’s and Mayfield Schools, both on the current St Benedict’s site. The existing St Benedict’s and Mayfield buildings will eventually be demolished.

Investment has been committed by a range of partners, including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, Copeland Council, Copeland Community Fund and Cumbria County Council.

Tony Shenton, business unit director at Wates Construction North West, said: “Establishing a relationship with the local community and providing a forum in which local residents can voice their thoughts on the scheme will be crucial to the success of Campus Whitehaven.

“As lead contractor, we welcome feedback on all elements of the build and will continue to fulfill our commitment to engage with the local community to ensure extensive benefit is brought to the area throughout the life of the project.”

Feedback can be provided during or after the event, via email to info@stephenson-halliday.com , or by post to Stephenson Halliday, 32 Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DH.

There will also be the opportunity to make a formal response to Cumbria County Council’s planning application during the consultation period later this year.