Cornwall Council Takes Over Heartlands Site to Serve Community Needs

In a significant development for the local community in Pool, Cornwall Council has officially taken over the management of the Heartlands site, a pivotal local asset, as the Heartlands Trust’s lease and management responsibilities have come to an end.

The Trust’s decision to close parts of Heartlands in late January 2024 led to this transition, necessitated by the formal conclusion of their lease and the appointment of an insolvency practitioner to manage the Trust’s affairs.

Cornwall Council, the site’s owner, has expressed a strong commitment to maintaining public access to the site’s parks and gardens, alongside ensuring the continuous operation of essential services and facilities. The Council’s new responsibilities include grounds maintenance, repairs to outdoor play equipment, waste management, and upkeep of buildings, ensuring that Heartlands remains a vibrant and welcoming space for visitors, residents, and workers alike.

The Registration Service and commercial spaces such as shops and offices at Heartlands have remained operational throughout this transition. A public auction of the Trust’s assets, excluding equipment crucial for the site’s operation, is being organised. This auction will feature items like marquees and bouncy castles but will spare cafe fixtures, soft play equipment, and historically significant artefacts, all retained by the Council.

With the Council now at the helm, efforts are underway to ensure the site’s sustainable future and enhanced community service. Vickery Holman, a local commercial property agent, has been tasked with preparing marketing particulars to attract bids for the lease of the café and soft play areas, as well as the site’s overall management. The Council aims to identify a suitable custodian for Heartlands, prioritising a single operator but remaining open to professional operators for specific areas if necessary.

The transition marks the end of a period of uncertainty for Heartlands’ tenants and local residents. Bob Drew, Chairman of Carn Brea Parish Council, echoed the community’s relief and optimism, highlighting Cornwall Council’s commitment to transparent communication and inclusive planning for Heartlands’ future.

This new chapter for Heartlands promises to preserve its role as a cherished public asset, with Cornwall Council’s stewardship ensuring the site continues to meet the evolving needs of the community it serves.