Helston’s New Community Hub Nears Completion – What’s Inside?

A major transformation in Helston is nearing completion, as a once-derelict supermarket is being turned into a state-of-the-art community and health facility. The Helston Gateway project, led by the South Kerrier Alliance (SKA), is set to be fully operational by July 2025, providing vital services for local families and young people.

Photos: Helston Gateway – Before

A New Home for Healthcare in Helston

The upper floor of the former Budgens building will soon house Cober Valley Health, a modern GP practice with 19 consulting and treatment rooms, as well as spaces for support teams. The surgery will initially serve patients from Meneage Street Surgery, with room to expand as the town’s health needs grow.

Alongside the medical centre, three community rooms will be available for wellbeing-related activities, which can be booked on an hourly basis through the surgery reception.

Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor, who recently toured the site, praised the project, saying:
“Helston Gateway is a fantastic example of a community-driven project that has transformed a tired old building into an innovative mixed-use community facility with health and wellbeing at its heart. It demonstrates Good Growth principles in practice, where investment has empowered and enabled local action, delivering an inspirational space that will benefit generations to come.”

A Space for Young People and Families

The lower ground floor is being designed as a dedicated hub for youth and family activities, with features including:

• A climbing and bouldering centre, run in partnership with The Tide, who operate a similar facility in Wadebridge.
• An activity space for clubs and community groups.
• A music practice studio for aspiring musicians.
• A multi-use venue for skating, concerts, and film screenings.

Following a public consultation last April, the South Kerrier Alliance secured major funding to move the project forward. A total of £200,000 has come from two local business donors, while Helston Town Council has raised £100,000 in grant funding. Combined with Good Growth Programme support and Cornwall Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, the investment means construction can continue towards the planned July 2025 opening.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s economy portfolio holder, highlighted the project’s impact, stating:
“It’s vital that we invest in facilities that support young people and families, providing opportunities for healthy and active lifestyles. The forward-thinking Helston Gateway project does exactly that, with a dedicated space for youth and community activities linked directly to health services through the integration of social prescribing within the new medical centre. The building itself is also a model of sustainability. It’s fantastic to see this project taking shape and making a real difference to the people of Helston.”

A Sustainable Future for Helston

The Helston Gateway building has been constructed to high environmental standards, achieving an A+ energy rating. Sustainability measures include:

• Solar panels for renewable energy.
• Ground source heating to reduce carbon emissions.
• A super-insulated “building within a building” to improve energy efficiency.

Helston Mayor Miles Kenchington emphasised the importance of the project, saying:
“It is essential that the town supports this amazing development which addresses the dire lack of community facilities, especially for young people, in Helston and the surrounding area. Helston has the highest proportion of young people of any town in Cornwall, yet we rank extremely poorly when it comes to young people’s amenities and services. Thanks to Town Councillors and staff and the generous support of the local donors in securing the match funding which has helped to attract this significant investment in Helston.”

What Happens Next?

With an agreement signed between SKA and The Tide to manage the climbing centre, plans are also in motion with Young People Cornwall to develop a programme of activities tailored to the needs of local youth.

Guy Foreman and Mike Thomas, councillors who have supported the project from the start, acknowledged the collaborative effort behind its success, thanking Cornwall Council, local businesses, and community groups for securing the necessary funding.

For more information, South Kerrier Alliance CIC can be contacted at helstongateway@theoldcattlemarket.co.uk.