Over £7m in Funding for Cornwall Communities: Local Projects Get Major Boost

Cornwall’s communities have secured over £7 million in additional funding to bring new projects to life, thanks to the Good Growth Programme.

More than 130 community organisations across Cornwall have benefitted from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, managed by Cornwall Council. With £1.85m allocated from the Community Capacity Fund, this investment has sparked significant growth for local projects, helping organisations secure £7.16m in further funding to develop vital community assets.

Cornwall’s Communities Benefit from Early Funding Support

The Community Capacity Fund was created to assist groups that hadn’t previously accessed funding, allowing them to lay the groundwork for larger projects. As a result, community buildings, sports clubs, green spaces, and heritage projects are being revitalised across Cornwall.

Carol Mould, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, highlighted the programme’s role in enabling community-led projects: “By providing crucial initial support, it has empowered local organisations to bring their visions to life, resulting in significant improvements to community facilities and spaces.”

Real Impact in Local Villages

One such project is the Polperro Big Green initiative, led by Polperro Community Council. This project is transforming an underused green space in the village into a more accessible community hub. An initial grant of nearly £7,000 from the Good Growth Community Capacity Fund helped cover essential fees, leading to a further £115,013 in funding from the Community Levelling Up Fund.

Laura Storey, Clerk to Polperro Community Council, said: “Without the initial grant, we wouldn’t have secured the funding to carry out the project. The Big Green will now host a range of activities, and we hope it will benefit both the community and local traders.”

In Troon, near Camborne, a £2,500 grant helped unlock over £640,000 to redevelop the local village hall. The project, managed by Troon Church Trust, is turning the hall into a hub for social activities, education, and support services, especially for elderly residents. The funding includes £447,671 from the Good Growth Programme and additional contributions from the National Lottery and the Jubilee Hall Fund.

The Revd Canon Hilary Samson, Chair of Troon Church Trust, explained: “The £2,500 from the Community Capacity Fund was vital for getting this project going. Our community faces challenges like isolation, especially among the elderly, and this project is creating a supportive and enriching environment.”

Skatepark Success in Millbrook

In Millbrook, a £21,250 grant has replaced the old skatepark with a brand-new facility. The funding helped unlock an additional £287,797 to create a modern concrete skatepark designed with input from local skaters. Sandy Stevenson, Treasurer of Millbrook Skatepark project group, noted: “This wouldn’t have been possible without early input from Good Growth.”

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is part of a £137m investment managed by Cornwall Council. This programme aims to deliver green and inclusive growth across the region, empowering communities to make a difference.

For more information on the Good Growth Programme, visit ciosgoodgrowth.com, and to learn more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit gov.uk.