The National Lottery on Cornwall’s Beloved Heartlands Mining Centre – Why Did They Pull the Plug?

Image: Heartlands Cornwall

The National Lottery has recently announced the discontinuation of its financial support for the Cornwall Heartlands mining world heritage centre, citing sustainability concerns. Heartlands, situated in Pool, has struggled to cover its operational expenses and has confirmed that it will close its facilities this month.

The National Lottery Community Fund described this decision as a regrettable but necessary step. Heartlands, initially launched in 2012 with over £20 million in lottery funding, aimed to celebrate the mining heritage at the heart of Pool, Cornwall.

In a joint statement issued by The Heartlands Trust, the charitable organization managing the heritage centre, and Cornwall Council, it was revealed that the National Lottery and Cornwall Council had mutually agreed not to provide further financial support. They highlighted that the attraction had been grappling with the inability to meet its operating costs for an extended period, rendering its long-term viability unsustainable.

As part of this closure, the café, soft play area, conference center, and meeting rooms will cease operations by the end of January. However, the park, gardens, shops, and offices will continue to remain open, as confirmed by The Heartlands Trust charity.

The National Lottery Community Fund, which had been the primary financial contributor for Heartlands’ operations, has pledged a financial contribution to support the site’s maintenance. A spokesperson for the National Lottery Community Fund expressed disappointment over the closure, emphasizing their desire for funded projects to thrive and serve their communities. However, they emphasized their responsibility to ensure the judicious use of public funds, which has led to this difficult decision.

On its official website, The Heartlands Trust announced its intention to cease trading at the end of January 2024. They also expressed their gratitude for the support received over the past 12 years.

The joint statement from The Heartlands Trust and Cornwall Council acknowledged that Heartlands had never aimed to operate as a commercial venture. However, persistent financial challenges have been a constant concern. Budget overruns during the initial construction phase resulted in essential rental units not being built, and expected developer contributions for playground maintenance were never received.