Camborne Projects Secure £1.89 Million Boost: What It Means for the Community

Camborne Town Deal Board has awarded an additional £1.89 million to six local projects, promising transformative benefits across arts, sport, community hubs, and active travel initiatives.

Funding Breakdown: Where the Money Is Going

Six community projects have successfully secured extra funding from Camborne Town Deal Board, with allocations aimed at enhancing facilities, fostering community engagement, and driving economic regeneration.

Create Contemporary Crafts Hub

Nearly £1 million will be invested in the Create Contemporary Crafts Hub, housed in the iconic Grade II* listed Donald Thomas Centre. The funding will support vital renovations, including upgrades to the glass and jewellery studios and the implementation of green energy solutions. It will also increase planned workspace capacity from 12 to 20, benefitting local fledgling businesses.

Park Gerry

Park Gerry will receive an additional £250,000 to reinstate a multi-use games area that was previously removed due to budget constraints. This addition will complement the new sports, games, and community facilities already planned.

Basset Community Hub

An extra £233,605 has been allocated to the new Basset Community Hub. The funding will enhance the planned installation of a heritage exhibition, offering added value for the entire community.

Other Projects Benefitting

The remaining funds have been distributed across three additional projects:

• Camborne Rugby Club: £250,000 for new family and disability-friendly visitor toilet facilities.
• Lifecycle: £80,000 to replace deteriorated sections of the Red River trail boardwalk and bridge.
• Renew: £150,000 for traffic monitoring solutions aimed at measuring the impact of investments in the town centre.

A Reallocation of Resources

The £1.89 million was reallocated from a project not taken forward, keeping in line with the promise made to Camborne residents that all funds would remain within the town. Val Dalley, Chair of Camborne Town Deal Board, said:

“We promised residents that all the money allocated to Camborne would stay in Camborne and I’m pleased to see it will add enormous benefit to our communities and people of all ages and interests.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, acknowledged the challenges faced earlier this year but praised the progress, stating:

“It is good to see positive outcomes materialise from a reluctant decision earlier this year. Camborne Town Deal Board continues to rise to the challenge of steering ambitious and community-led investments, and I look forward to following their progress.”

The Bigger Picture

This funding is part of a broader £28.9 million investment pot from Camborne Town Deal and Cornwall Council, aimed at driving regeneration and economic growth. The Camborne Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, had earlier secured £23.7 million in Town Deal funding to support a variety of projects in the area.

For more information about the Camborne Town Deal programme and its projects, visit cambornetowndeal.com.

Photo: Park Gerry